Madhya Pradesh

• 09 Oct 2024

Silicosis Tragedy in Panna Mining Community

Why in News?

The devastating impact of mining continues to claim lives in Panna, with families grappling with silicosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis.

Key Points

• Silicosis:
  • A fatal lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, common in mining industries.
  • Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often mistaken as tuberculosis.
  • Since 2014, five family members have died, suspected from silicosis.
• Tuberculosis (TB):
  • TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members.
  • Some of Mycobacteria cause diseases like TB and Leprosy in humans and others infect a wide range of animals.
  • In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
  • TB is a very ancient disease and has been documented to have existed in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. It is a treatable and curable disease.

Best Tourism Villages Award

Why in News?

Recently, three villages in Madhya Pradesh were recognized for their sustainable tourism efforts on International Tourism Day (27^th September).

Key Points

• Awarded Villages:
  • Pranpur:
    • Category: Craft
    • Notable for its weaving tradition with 243 households involved in handloom production.
    • Artisans craft items from bamboo, wood, stone, jewelry, and clay.
    • Infrastructure improvements include locally sourced stones for visitor access.
    • Features a "Handloom Cafe" and an amphitheater for cultural performances.
  • Sabarvani:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism
    • Transformed into a tourism hub since 2019, hosting over 300 international tourists.
    • Offers cultural experiences like traditional cuisine and participation in local agricultural practices.
    • Attractions include Anhoni Hot Spring, Ghoghra Waterfall, and proximity to Satpura National Park.
    • Activities for tourists include bullock cart rides, cow milking, and trekking on Monakhedi Hill.
  • Ladpura Khas:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism.
    • Known for its community engagement and promotion of local traditions.
• Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024:
  • It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to promote sustainable practices.
  • It aimed to identify villages preserving cultural and natural heritage.
  • A total of 36 villages recognized across eight categories.

International Tourism Day

• History: World Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and raises awareness about the social, cultural, and economic importance of tourism.
  • The day marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, signifying its official establishment five years later.
  • UNWTO advocates for tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while supporting the sector in advancing knowledge and policies worldwide.
    • UNWTO comprises 160 Member States (including India), 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members.
    • Headquartered in Madrid, Spain.