Archive · 18 Jul 2026
NHRC Issues Notice Over Silicosis Death in West Burdwan
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the District Magistrate of West Burdwan to explain why a worker named Jagannath Roy died from silicosis but was not given the right benefits.
A teacher named Amarnath Mahato complained that many people are getting sick and dying from silicosis because of stone crushing factories.
The government has set up health camps and given some help, but Amarnath says more needs to be done.
The NHRC wants a report by 21 July and has also asked the state government to respond.
From 2024 to 2025, 56 health camps checked 967 people, and 12 were found to have silicosis.
The NHRC issued a notice to the West Burdwan District Magistrate over the silicosis death of Jagannath Roy.
Amarnath Mahato, a local teacher, lodged a complaint alleging denial of government benefits to victims' families.
The NHRC directed an action taken report (ATR) by 21 July and tagged the state government in the notice.
From 2024 to 2025, 56 silicosis detection camps screened 967 people, identifying 252 presumptive cases and 12 confirmed silicosis patients.
The NHRC has ordered the setup of a District Task Force to monitor and curb silicosis cases in West Burdwan.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and local activist Amarnath Mahato
- What
- Issued a notice to the District Magistrate of West Burdwan over a silicosis death case and directed an action taken report (ATR) by 21 July.
- When
- The notice was issued recently, with the ATR deadline set for 21 July.
- Where
- Salanpur block, West Burdwan district, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To address the alleged silicosis death of Jagannath Roy and the denial of government benefits to his family due to an improper death certificate.
Government and Health Authorities
Local Activists and Victims' Families
Action Taken on Silicosis Cases
Government and Health Authorities
The government has set up screening camps, health boards, and provided medical aid to victims' families, taking steps to address silicosis cases.
Local Activists and Victims' Families
Despite government actions, many victims' families have been denied benefits due to improper death certificates, and more people continue to suffer.
- Victim's Name
- Jagannath Roy
- Location
- Salanpur block, West Burdwan
- Complainant
- Amarnath Mahato
- NHRC Deadline for ATR
- 21 July
- Silicosis Detection Camps
- 56 camps from January 2024 to December 2025
- Presumptive Silicosis Patients
- 252 out of 967 screened
- Confirmed Silicosis Patients
- 12