Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Ajay Chole, an IIT Bombay postgraduate and resident of the city, has urged the central government to establish a National Task Force (NTF) focused on identifying and preventing kidney disease among sugarcane cutters, reports Lokmat Times.
In a memorandum recently submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office, Chole highlighted the growing threat of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu), which he said has severely impacted sugarcane workers in various countries for years.
“This disease has claimed many lives and remains a serious health concern,” he said.
Chole said that in an effort to understand what steps have been taken in India, he filed a Right to Information (RTI) request with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to him, the responses he received from ICMR’s National Institute of Occupational Health and other bodies indicate that no targeted action has been taken on this issue.
He called for the formation of a dedicated task force to address the health challenges faced specifically by sugarcane cutters.
“The creation of a committee to develop safe working guidelines is essential to ensure a healthier and safer environment for these workers,” he said.
Chole also stressed the importance of introducing standards for protective gear, hydration routines, and regular rest breaks. These, he said, could help reduce the risk of CKDu and improve the quality of life for thousands of sugarcane workers.
In addition to prevention, he noted that the proposed initiative could lead to quicker medical responses for those already affected.
