mineral-rich Rajasthan is paying the price for its wealth. Open cast mining in Bijolia area in the state has scarred the earth, killed vegetation and shortened the lifespan of workers.

About 25 per cent of the workers suffer from silicosis, bronchitis, asthma or tuberculosis (tb) and 50 per cent from malaria, which has spread as a result of mosquitoes breeding in the open pits. What is more, noise levels touch 96-125 decibels