Siliguri (West Bengal), Oct. 31 (ANI): Labourers working in tea gardens in West Bengal's Siliguri District have complained of suffering from several forms of skin diseases and other ailments due to the injudicious use of agrochemicals and pesticides.
Despite knowing the problems caused by usage of these chemicals, they have no option, but to put their life at stake to earn their daily bread.
According to the Plantations Labour Act, 1951, these labourers who work in hazardous conditions must be provided with appropriate safety gear such as gloves, shoes and masks to protect them from the poisonous gases.
There are about 199 gardens in the region and about 200,000 workers are associated with this industry.
One of the tea garden labourers said that the pesticides are so harmful that it can cause loss of vision.
"The pesticides are so harmful that we can even lose our vision and we can contract skin diseases. If we do not work, how will we earn? It is essential for us to work. We spend more than we earn on a single day," said Gobind Mal Pahari, a tea garden worker, while interacting with a reporter on Tuesday (October 30).
Kamal, a tea garden worker, said that there was no guarantee, if the could get work on a daily basis, if they migrate to other town or cities.
"We have to put our life in danger, if we have to earn our daily bread. There is no guarantee that we will get work everyday, if we go to other places. We know that these pesticides are fatal, but we do not have any option, but to work here," he said.
Tea plantations, the backbone of North Bengal's industry, also add to the region's natural beauty.
The all India production of tea annually averages 980 million kilograms, and the production of tea in North Bengal is around 230 million kilograms. (ANI)
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