Synopsis
In Kolkata, the KMC has launched an investigation into the deaths of three workers involved in manual scavenging at the Bantala leather complex. The incident, which occurred shortly after a Supreme Court ban on such practices, has raised serious concerns about safety and compliance.Key Takeaways
- KMC is investigating the deaths of three manual scavengers.
- The incident occurred at the Bantala leather complex.
- A Supreme Court ruling banning manual scavenging was issued shortly before the incident.
- KMC officials, including Mayor Firhad Hakim, are treating the matter seriously.
- Compensation of Rs 10,00,000 has been promised to the victims' families.
Kolkata, Feb 3 (NationPress) Authorities of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the fatalities of three workers who tragically died on Sunday morning while engaged in scavenging and manually cleaning a sewer pipe at the Bantala leather complex on the eastern outskirts of the city.
Several supervising personnel from the sewerage and drainage department of KMC are expected to undergo departmental scrutiny.
According to KMC sources, the senior officials, including Mayor Firhad Hakim, are treating this incident with utmost seriousness, especially since these unfortunate deaths have brought significant embarrassment to the largest municipal body in West Bengal.
The incident occurred merely four days after a Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, issued a directive prohibiting manual scavenging and sewage cleaning in six major metropolitan areas, including Kolkata.
“Given the gravity of the situation, the Mayor personally visited the accident site on Sunday. In addition to promptly deciding to offer Rs 10,00,000 in compensation to each victim's family, he has also mandated a thorough internal investigation,” stated a senior KMC official who preferred to remain anonymous.
It has been reported that the internal investigation will focus on two key aspects.
The first will determine the authority under whose instructions the three workers entered the sewerage pipe for manual cleaning.
The second point of inquiry is whether the workers utilized the required safety precautions and equipment, as mandated by regulations.
There is uncertainty regarding whether the incident was caused by drowning in the wastewater within the sewer pipe or by inhaling toxic gases from the sewage; clarity will only emerge following a detailed autopsy report.
According to the Supreme Court ruling issued last week, manual scavenging and cleaning of sewerage pipes is completely forbidden in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The Supreme Court has instructed leaders of municipal authorities in these cities to submit an affidavit by February 13, outlining the measures implemented to eradicate this practice and detailing how and when it will be completely ceased in their respective jurisdictions.
With the next hearing scheduled for February 19, KMC insiders anticipate that officials will face difficult and potentially embarrassing inquiries on that date.
IANS
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