Sandstone

A sandstone quarry in Rajasthan, India, where the industry reportedly employs thousands of children Photograph: Unicef

Blood on the Stone: The Hidden Cost of Rajasthan’s Sandstone

From garden paths in London to plazas in Paris, cobblestones from Rajasthan, India, are everywhere. But behind their rustic charm lies a harsh reality: exploitation, disease, and child labour continue to plague the sandstone industry nearly two decades after it was first exposed.

In 2005, Budhpura ‘Ground Zero’ revealed widespread human rights abuses—modern slavery, debt bondage, and child labour. Today, new investigations show that conditions have not improved. In fact, for many workers, life has become even more precarious.

Women and Children in Crisis

A 2023 survey of 92 women working in Budhpura’s cobblestone yards paints a grim picture. Nearly half had lost their husbands to silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling stone dustforcing them into the same hazardous work. Many earned as little as Rs 100 a day—approximately $1 USD. With household incomes stretched to breaking point, 62% said their children worked alongside them, and 90% reported their children had dropped out of school. Every woman carried debt linked to their husband’s illness, deepening the cycle of poverty and exploitation.

Why It Matters

Rajasthan exports 90% of its cobblestones to Europe. The UK, US, France, Belgium, and Canada are among the largest importers. As these countries introduce laws requiring companies to monitor human rights in their supply chains, the pressure is mounting. But legislation alone isn’t enough—retailers must act, and consumers must care.

What the Construction Industry Can Do

Construction firms sourcing stone for buildings or public spaces must demand full traceability from quarry to site. They should work only with suppliers who provide verified sourcing data, include human rights clauses in contracts, and support remediation for affected workers. Ethical sourcing is no longer optional—it’s a reputational imperative.

What Consumers Can Do

Whether renovating a home or designing a garden, consumers can make informed choices. Ask retailers where their stone comes from. Choose suppliers who commit to transparency and fair labour practices. Support brands that publish due diligence reports. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to build—literally.

Signs of Hope

Since 2014, Rajasthan’s Pneumoconiosis Boards have diagnosed over 30,000 mine workers with silicosis, and more than 12,000 have received state relief. In 2022, the state ordered the creation of India’s first Mine Workers Welfare Board. Globally, momentum is growing for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence—a shift in how businesses approach their supply chains.

A Call to Action

Budhpura was called “Ground Zero” in 2005. In 2025, it still is. The evidence is clear, the stories are heartbreaking, and the solutions are within reach. Governments must enforce the laws they pass. Businesses must trace their supply chains to the source. And consumers must ask the right questions.

The world knows better. The question now is: will we do better?

To learn more, read Budhpura 20 years: The Case for Sustainable Mining.

Written by Elaine Mitchel-Hill, International Lead, Design for Freedom