Dear Editor,
I want to publish my view through columns of your leading newspaper in Kashmir on India’s Asbestos Crisis. Below mentioned are my views on the subject:-
India’s Asbestos Crisis
Asbestos, once heralded for its affordability & heat-resistant properties, has proven to be a silent killer. Despite being banned in 70 countries, India continues to import and trade this hazardous material. The most common form, chrysotile (white asbestos) is widely used in construction materials, especially in the roofs of houses in poorer regions. This mineral is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma & asbestosis, posing an imminent public health threat to millions of Indian workers & families.India’s continued use of asbestos is not just a matter of policy failure but also a deep rooted conflict of interest. As highlighted by many environmentalists the relationship between the Indian government & asbestos manufacturers reflects a disturbing nexus where commercial interests overshadow public health. Despite evidence from global health organizations like WHO & international agreements such as the Rotterdam Convention, India persists in allowing the import & trade of this deadly substance. The logic of profit backed by powerful lobbies continues to dictate the nation’s stance.The Indian government’s partial bans, such as in the railway sector are not enough. The government’s contradictory approach simultaneously promoting asbestos trade while overseeing public health compounds the crisis. Meanwhile, the asbestos lobby has worked tirelessly to downplay the substance’s dangers citing outdated studies & misleading claims. The economic justification for asbestos use ignores the far reaching human cost: lives lost, families devastated & the potential for long term environmental damage.Public awareness & education are crucial to changing this paradigm. As more people become aware of the risks of asbestos exposure, the demand for safer alternatives will rise. India must urgently align with global health standards & phase out asbestos altogether before it costs another generation its health.
VijayKumar H K
[email protected]
Raichur, Karnataka
Environmentalist
