Synopsis
The tragic deaths of three workers in Kolkata's Bantala leather complex have ignited serious concerns regarding the performance of the local Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Investigations are underway to assess the effectiveness of these facilities and the condition of sewerage infrastructure.Key Takeaways
- Three workers died while cleaning sewerage in Kolkata.
- Concerns regarding Sewage Treatment Plants efficiency.
- Investigation to assess the drain pipe condition.
- Environmental impact due to toxic chemicals.
- Accountability for worker safety questioned.
Kolkata, Feb 4 (NationPress) The tragic loss of three individuals involved in the manual cleaning and scavenging of a sewerage drain pipe within Kolkata’s Bantala leather complex raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) operating in that area.
Sources within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) indicated that a comprehensive investigation into this unfortunate event has already been initiated, focusing on two critical aspects.
The first aspect is the efficiency of the STPs, and the second pertains to the overall condition of the drain pipes.
“It is essential to assess whether the hazardous chemicals employed by tanneries in the complex are being adequately processed instead of polluting the nearby water sources. Concurrently, an audit of the treatment plants' efficiency is imperative to tackle these risks,” stated a KMC insider familiar with the situation.
Somendra Mohan Ghosh, a local environmental technologist known for his advocacy on this matter, informed IANS that according to his sources, three treatment plants in the area have been virtually non-operational for an extended period.
“The contaminated water has adversely impacted wetlands and surrounding regions, threatening both human and ecological health. Meanwhile, the tannery proprietors in the complex remain unresponsive.
“This is a grave issue and, in my opinion, constitutes an environmental crime. Urgent steps must be taken to restore the treatment plants and avert further ecological harm,” Ghosh emphasized.
Within the KMC, there are concerns regarding whether accountability will be established following this tragic occurrence to prevent future incidents.
“The issue also arises as to whether the responsibility for worker safety lies solely with the contractors outsourcing the work or if there is any obligation from the sewerage and drainage department officials to ensure compliance with safety regulations,” noted the KMC insider.
The unfortunate fatalities have created significant embarrassment for the largest civic body in West Bengal, as the incident transpired just days after a Supreme Court bench led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia imposed a complete ban on manual scavenging and sewage cleaning across six major metropolitan areas, including Kolkata.
The Supreme Court mandated that municipal leaders in these cities submit an affidavit by February 13, detailing the measures taken to eradicate this practice and outlining how and when the system has been entirely halted in their respective locations.
As the next hearing is slated for February 19, KMC insiders anticipate that authorities may have to confront challenging and uncomfortable inquiries during the upcoming court session.
IANS
src/rad
