Hyderabad, April 4 -- Workers who helped construct the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Jersey, one of the largest Hindu temples outside India, have developed serious respiratory illnesses, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease linked to prolonged exposure to silica dust.

The temple, built between 2015 and 2023, spans approximately 185 acres and features hand-carved stone imported from Rajasthan.

The illnesses and related deaths were reported in an investigation by The Guardian.

According to the report, some workers involved in carving stone developed silicosis, while others were diagnosed with tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis. At least two workers, identified as Ramesh Meena and Devi Lal, died after developing si...