Traditional carpet weavers in Ghurra village in Madhya Pradesh's Morena District fear that they do not have many years to live for because of their profession.
Practically, all the villagers who earn their livelihood weaving carpets in this area suffer from severe respiratory problems.
Working long hours, they produce a piece which sells for around Rs5000 ($113); the weavers make 25 to 30 such pieces in a month earning measly Rs1500 ($34) a month.
Many workers die every year from respiratory related disorders and lung cancer.
The cause for these diseases is the fiber, which enters their lungs and stomach.
Hamir Singh Patel, President of the village council said, they would bring the matter to the notice of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and also approach the state administration.
The weavers are masters not only in weaving but dyeing, too.
Floor coverings of Madhya Pradesh are mainly dhurries (flat-woven carpets). Method of dhurrie making is very ancient, but the colourful patterns compensate for the lack of finish.
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