Bharuch: 3 sanitation workers died of suffocation while cleaning gutter, one in serious condition

In Dahej, Bharuch, three of the four sanitation laborers who went inside to clean the underground gutter have died of suffocation. While the condition of other one is critical. All the four sanitation laborers entered the drain with the help of each other to clean the drain. But three died of suffocation and one has been admitted in the hospital for treatment.

During cleaning of an underground drain in the limits of Dahej Gram Panchayat of Bharuch, four laborers entered the drain. Three laborers died of suffocation, while the condition of the fourth laborer was critical. He was immediately referred to the nearest hospital.

The family members of the three deceased sanitation laborer created uproar. Currently, the dead bodies of these laborers have been sent to the Bharuch Civil Hospital for postmortem. On receiving the information about the incident, Bharuch DSP and the local police team also reached the spot. A case has been registered and further action has been taken in the matter.

Question has been raised in Gujarat assembly

Recently, during the question hour in Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Congress MLA Imran Khedawala had asked the question that how much amount the government gives to the families of the laborers who die accidently while cleaning the gutters in Gujarat as compensation? The government, in a written reply, said that an amount of Rs.10 lakh is being paid as ex-gratia to each sanitation worker in such incidents. Government also added that 11 sanitation workers have died in the state in the last two years. Out of which 5 families have been given assistance and the families of 6 cleaning workers have not yet been given assistance.