District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Leh Organizes Awareness Program on Silicosis at
Chuchot, Leh, July 26th, 2025 .
The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Leh, organized an awareness program titled “Understanding Silicosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Care” at Chuchot on July 26, 2025 as a part of Month of Compassion.
The event aimed to educate the community about silicosis, a serious occupational lung disease, while also highlighting key women and child welfare initiatives under Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya.
Dr. Yangchan Dolma, District Health Officer, delivered a comprehensive presentation on silicosis, detailing its symptoms, causes, and preventive care measures. She emphasized the importance of awareness and safety practices to protect workers from silica dust exposure in high-risk occupations.
The program was graced by Shri Mirza, Honourable Councillor of Chuchot, as the Chief Guest, reflecting the local administration’s support for health and welfare initiatives. Retired Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Shri Mohammad Abbas, attended as the Special Guest and shared insights from his research and work on silicosis in the Chuchot belt, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address this health concern. CDPO Leh, Tsering Youdol, was also present as a distinguished guest, reinforcing the importance of community-driven awareness programs.
Kunzang Angmo, Gender Specialist, DHEW, elaborated on the objectives of Mission Shakti and the role of the One Stop Centre in providing integrated support and assistance to women facing violence or distress. Her session highlighted the empowerment and safety measures available for women in the region.
Representatives from Mission Vatsalya informed the audience about various schemes designed to support children’s welfare and development. A video on the Child Helpline was screened, raising awareness about resources available for child protection and support.
As a practical measure, N95 masks and respirometers were distributed among attendees post-program to promote respiratory health and early detection of lung-related issues.The event saw enthusiastic participation from community members, health workers, and local stakeholders, fostering a collaborative platform to address health, gender, and child welfare issues. The District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Leh, remains dedicated to promoting awareness and empowering communities through such impactful initiatives.
