Archive · 4 Jan 2026
NHRC Issues Deadline for Silicosis Report in West Burdwan
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has given the District Magistrate of West Burdwan and the Commissioner of Police of Asansol-Durgapur a 4-week deadline to submit a report on the silicosis problem in the Dendua region.
Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, and it's spreading quickly in this area.
The NHRC is concerned because many workers are getting sick, and some have even died.
Local people say the factories are to blame, but the authorities haven't done enough to stop the problem.
The NHRC has warned that if the report isn't submitted on time, they will take legal action.
This is not the first time the NHRC has asked for a report; they gave an 8-week deadline earlier, but the expert team's report is still not ready.
The NHRC has issued a 4-week deadline for the District Magistrate of West Burdwan and the Commissioner of Police of Asansol-Durgapur to submit an action taken report on silicosis cases in the Dendua region.
Silicosis is spreading rapidly in the Salanpur block, with allegations that polluting industries are responsible and that authorities have not taken adequate action.
Local social worker Amarendra Mahato approached the NHRC, alleging that silicosis patients were being misdiagnosed as tuberculosis cases and that factory managements should be held accountable.
The NHRC had previously given an 8-week deadline on 28 October, 2024, but the expert team's report on silicon metalloid emissions is still awaited.
The NHRC has warned that failure to submit the required reports within the 4-week deadline will result in legal action under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Who
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), District Magistrate of West Burdwan, Commissioner of Police of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, local residents, and silicosis patients
- What
- NHRC has issued a 4-week deadline for an action taken report on silicosis cases in the Dendua region of Salanpur block, West Burdwan district
- When
- The reminder was issued recently, with a deadline of 4 weeks. Previous deadline was 8 weeks from 28 October, 2024.
- Where
- Dendua region, Salanpur block, West Burdwan district, India
- Why
- To address the alleged spread of silicosis due to polluting industries and the inadequate action taken by local authorities
- Organization
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Location
- Dendua region, Salanpur block, West Burdwan district, India
- Deadline
- 4 weeks from issuance of reminder
- Disease
- Silicosis
- Complainant
- Amarendra Mahato (local social worker)
- Authorities Involved
- District Magistrate (DM) of West Burdwan, Commissioner of Police (CP) of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC)
- Legislation
- Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
- Previous Deadline
- 8 weeks (issued on 28 October, 2024)