MOKHADA PRAGATI PRATISHTHAN
Despite the ban on commercial sand dredging, youth from remote villages near Bhiwandi and Vasai continue to work in sand mining near creeks and riverbeds, due to the growing need for affordable housing in expanding cities. This has several implications:
- Illegal sand mining poses a threat to the environment and can cause erosion, deforestation, and harm to aquatic life.
- Sand mining is a dangerous activity and can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
- The lack of regulation in sand mining can lead to exploitation of workers, including child labor and forced labor.
- The demand for affordable housing in cities must be balanced with the need to protect the environment and ensure safe and fair working conditions for those involved in the construction industry.
Youths engaged in manual sand dredging through diving in the river or creek beds are at risk of various health problems due to persistent exposure to saline water. Regular medical camps and the distribution of underwater diving apparatus have been organized to protect them, with the following implications
- Health problems from manual sand dredging can have long-term effects on the well-being of the workers.
- Regular medical check-ups and interventions can help prevent serious health problems and improve the workers' quality of life.
- The use of underwater diving apparatus can improve the safety of manual sand dredging and reduce the risk of accidents.
- The involvement of donors and community support can help provide resources to improve the working conditions of those engaged in manual sand dredging.
Regular medical camps were organized for boys and villagers working in manual sand dredging who were persistently exposed to saline creek water, resulting in severe medical issues. Audiometry, Pulmonary Function test, SPo2, and oxygen saturation tests were conducted, and underwater diving apparatus were distributed on a trial basis with the help of donors to safeguard them.
- Regular medical camps were conducted to monitor the health of those exposed to saline creek water.
- Audiometry, Pulmonary Function test, SPo2, and oxygen saturation tests were conducted to identify potential health issues.
- Underwater diving apparatus were distributed on a trial basis to protect workers while diving.
- The initiative was made possible through the generous support of donors.