Why do people risk their lives to make a millions of bangles in India?

Narrator: The production of a single glass bangle requires the collaborative effort of numerous individuals. They are manufactured within extremely high-temperature furnaces. At such high temperatures, the glass becomes as thin as water. Furthermore, in the event that they do not use caution... Narrator: The workers in this environment endure temperatures reaching up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit during the entire day.

Narrator: Every day, countless women in India adorn themselves with these bangles, and the city of Firozabad holds the distinction of being the largest producer of these accessories globally. Satyanarayan Glass Works produces 1.2 million bangles daily via the work of skilled artisans. Therefore, what is the reason for the continued production of bangles in this manner? What factors contribute to the high level of risk in this business?

Vimal Kumar Yadiv has been employed at the factory for a duration of 17 years. The process begins with artisans carefully sifting through silica sand, which serves as the primary component for creating bangles. Subsequently, they incorporate any remnants of surplus glass, such as shattered bottles or impaired bangles. The entire factory is saturated with little glass fragments. Women are perpetually removing the shattered bangles from the floor. The fragments of glass are re-melted and repurposed to create fresh bangles through the process of recycling. However, the fragments of glass have the potential to harm the workers' eyesight, potentially resulting in blindness.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that none of the individuals present at this location are wearing any form of protective face covering, thereby exposing themselves to the inhalation of potentially harmful glass particles. Subsequently, the mixture is liquefied in a furnace with a temperature above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Narrator: Despite the resounding cheers of the crowd, the atmosphere in this place is oppressively hot and suffocating. Workers continuously consume water to maintain hydration and continue their tasks. After a duration of 10 hours, the glass undergoes a transformation and transitions into a viscous liquid state. It is subsequently blended with pigment. They contain small amounts of metals, such as lead, cadmium, and even mercury. Workers are frequently subjected to those fumes.

Subsequently, artisans relocated the liquefied glass to a different section of the manufacturing facility. This procedure carries inherent risks, and Vimal acknowledges that accidents may occur on occasion. Narrator: Vimal operates the machine responsible for shaping the bangles into spirals. That is also a dangerous proposition. The bangles are extremely hot when they are taken off this rod, but nobody is wearing protective gloves. Factory owner Anshul Gupta states that the majority of workers depend on their experience to ensure their safety. Narrator: Although machines have the potential to enhance labor safety, workers have previously declined their use.

Narrator: The glass bangle industries in Firozabad are significant contributors to pollution. The city and Taj Mahal are around 30 kilometers apart. Authorities discovered in 2015 that the smoke generated by Firozabad was the principal cause of the Taj Mahal's white marble deterioration, leading in a yellowing look. A large number of craftsmen expressed anxiety about the impending closure of the workshops. As a result, the firms were advised to stop using coal and instead use natural gas. Currently, 500,000 artisans operate in the Firozabad sector, spread across over 100 workshops is carried out in domestic settings, frequently by youthful laborers who receive meager compensation. Although child work is prohibited in factories, children nonetheless assist their families whenever possible. Soni Yadiv's age is 18. Dali Yadiv is fifteen years old. The two daughters belong to Vimal.

Narrator: Vimal earns approximately $9 every day after working for eight hours. According to him, the amount of money he has is only sufficient to cover the expenses of his four children's education. In order to earn some more income, Vimal engages in the practice of tending to buffaloes. Narrator: He aspires to establish a new milk enterprise in the future. Narrator: Despite the inherent hazards, the final result is not costly. Narrator: A collection of 12 bangles might vary in price from $1 to $13, depending on its level of sophistication. Narrator: Despite the inherent hazards, VImal asserts that the industry is indispensable for the entire population of Firozabad.