The death of three workers in an attempt to clean sewage tanks in dyeing plant in Tirupur has stirred the nation. Officials are warned of strict action on failing to inspect properly.
Tirupur: The National Sanitary Workers’ Commission Chairman who arrived at Tirupur warned that officials who fail to inspect cleaning of sewage tanks properly in dyeing plants will face serious consequences.
The National Commissioner of the Sanitary Workers’ Commission, Venkatesan, visited Tirupur. Addressing the press he stated that in the future, strict action will be taken against owners who use manual scavengers without using machines to clean the sewage tank and officials who fail to oversee it.
'Panton Dyers' dyeing plant is functioning at Tirupur Palladam Road Vidyalaya Kottukadu Estate. In an incident, three workers, Vadivel, (32), Dinesh Pandi, (32), Rajendran, (55) were gassed to death on the 14th out of the six persons from Tiruppur Palavanjipalayam who were stationed to clean two sewage tanks at the plant.
Dinesh who is the manager at the plant attempted to rescue Vadivel, while Rajendran is fitter at the tank. The Veerapandi police arrested the owner of the dyeing plant Dhanalakshmi (48) under five sections in connection with the cleaning of the tank without proper safety equipment.The Joint Director of Industrial Safety and Health, Tirupur district inspected and issued notices to the dyeing plant.
Meanwhile, the National Cleanliness Mission Chairman M Venkatesan arrived in Tirupur on Wednesday from Delhi to review and investigate the incident that took place at the plant. He then inspected the dyeing plant and later visited the deceased’s family. He inquired about the availability of government assistance and also informed about the concessions given to them on behalf of the government.
Addressing the press, he said, 'I have come to Tamil Nadu on a 3-day visit. I visited the location where the incident occurred and also met the families of the diseased.”
“The deceased will be compensated 8.25-lakh stake under the SCST Act. In the first phase, 4-lakhs has been transferred into their bank accounts. Further, under the MS Act, 10-lakh rupees has to be paid. I have spoken to the District Collector about this. Compensation will be paid to them soon. The public has to be made aware of cleaning the sewage tanks as the dyeing industries are larger in number Tirupur and Erode districts.'
He further added that, the “Sewage tanks should be cleaned with machines without using humans. The officers appointed on behalf of the district administration should periodically inspect the activities.” He added that if the authorities conduct proper inspections, such deaths can be prevented but the authorities are neglecting to do so.
He warned of strict action in future against owners who use manual scavengers without using machines to clean the sewage tank and officials who fail to look after it.