Diarrhoea, respiratory and skin infections are common diseases of the people residing near the factories in Gomtu in Samtse. This, according to the doctor of the Gomtu Basic Health Unit, is caused by the dust particles emitted from the factories even though all necessary precautions are taken.
Other common diseases, especially in children, are allergic bronchitis and skin allergy.
Doctor R.I Patil has been working in Gomtu for the last three decades. He said the dust particles affect the residents living nearby more than the factory workers. “Micro dust is everywhere- in the atmosphere, which cannot be seen by naked eyes and is also equally dangerous, in fact it is more dangerous because the particles are very small and you can easily breathe it. They might cause allergy.”
Factory workers are provided with all the safety equipment but the dust related diseases are still common. “Especially during summer weather is very hot here so some of the workers might be avoiding the safety gears. This can be the reason for the dust related diseases in spite of all the safety measures,” explained Dr. Patil.
However, every factory in Gomtu has the pollution control equipment in place. Moreover, factories also take other necessary measures like watering the roads. According to the residents the dust in the area has decreased by manifold now compared to past years.
