There is a village in India, widely known as the “village of widows”. Although the title sounds outlandish, the reality behind it is heart-wrenching. The reason is a deadly disease called silicosis which claims lives of the men residing in this village.

The name of the village is Budhpura and it is based in Rajasthan’s Bundi district. Silicosis disease develops as hundreds of labours tirelessly work in sandstone mines in Budhpur, breathing in the silica dust that is present is rock and sand. Regular exposure to the dust can cause the disease, which severely affects lungs, ultimately leading to death of the affected individuals.

The inhaled silica particles cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, triggering difficulty breathing and several other respiratory issues.