Beawar (Rajasthan): Opportunities for working class families are severely limited in Rajasthan due to the state’s dry climate and infertile land. In the city of Beawar, about 50 km from Ajmer, the government had sold land to stone crushing factories two decades ago, in a bid to provide employment to the people.

People were initially overjoyed, as the factories provided some succour. However, in the subsequent years, working in hazardous conditions without any safety gear or equipment, the workers have faced several health issues. Many people were severely injured, while the health of others deteriorated after contracting tuberculosis.

Silicosis, a disease which does not have any cure yet, has taken the lives of many workers. Women whose husbands were killed by Silicosis have been forced to take up the same job as they try to make ends meet.

A daily wage worker in Beawar makes about Rs 200-300 for an eight-hour shift.

Natisha Mallick is an award-winning photographer based in New Delhi.