People residing near mining zones may be facing health risks as severe as those of mine workers, new findings presented in the Lok Sabha reveal. Research highlighted by the Indian Council of Medical Research shows significant lung damage among nearby communities, linked to prolonged exposure to coal dust and environmental pollutants. Experts, including Dr. Dhiren Gupta, warns that the impact extends beyond occupational settings, calling for urgent environmental safeguards, regular health screenings, and stronger public health interventions to prevent long-term respiratory disease.