Bones that do not burn
As per reviews, of probably the most hanging results of salt farming on the Agariyas is the calcification of their bones, particularly of their legs. As a result of excessive focus of salt within the groundwater, the Agariyas take up massive quantities of calcium and different minerals via their pores and skin. This causes their bones to turn out to be abnormally exhausting and dense, making them resistant to fireplace. In consequence, when the Agariyas die, their bones don’t burn utterly within the funeral pyre, in contrast to these of different folks. Their kinfolk have to gather the unburnt bones and bury them individually in a small grave with salt, in order that they’ll decompose naturally over time.
The results of such in depth salt farming is that the bones of the farmers get calcified, particularly within the legs and the bones turn out to be excessiely exhausting and brittle. Supply: Sugato Mukerjee/Al Jazeera
One other consequence of salt farming on the Agariyas is the deterioration of their eyesight. The brilliant mild mirrored from the white salt crystals and the dry air can injury their corneas and trigger cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness. Many Agariyas undergo from eye infections and irritation, and must put on darkish glasses or fabric to guard their eyes. A few of them even lose their imaginative and prescient utterly, making them unable to work or carry out each day actions.
The Agarias are chargeable for the manufacturing of 75 % of the nation’s salt provide. Supply: Sugato Mukerjee/Al Jazeera
Agariyas confront a spread of well being points, together with pores and skin illnesses, respiratory issues, kidney stones, and hypertension. Extended publicity to salt and daylight can lead to pores and skin issues comparable to cracking, bleeding, ulcers, and infections whereas inhaling mud and salt particles might set off respiratory issues like bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Extreme salt consumption additionally heightens the danger of cardiovascular illnesses and elevated blood stress. Moreover, insufficient entry to contemporary water and sanitation contributes to dehydration, diarrhea, and susceptibility to typhoid among the many Agariya group.
Regardless of these challenges, the Agariyas proceed to work as salt farmers, as it’s their solely supply of earnings and identification. They earn a meagre Rs 60 per ton of salt, whereas the merchants and firms take many of the earnings. They’ve little entry to schooling, well being care, social safety, and authorized rights. They’re usually exploited, discriminated towards, and uncared for by the federal government and society.
The Agariyas are a resilient and proud group, who’ve preserved their tradition and traditions for hundreds of years. They’ve a powerful sense of belonging and solidarity, and have fun festivals and ceremonies with pleasure and devotion. They’ve a deep reference to the land and the salt, which they take into account as sacred and life-giving. They hope for a greater future for themselves and their youngsters, the place they’ll stay with dignity and respect.
UN emergency reduction chief warns of an imminent famine in Gaza, describes it ‘across the nook’
