In the ongoing heat wave conditions, the MCL management
has not taken adequate measures ensuring the safety of the employees
and workers. This has stoked resentments in Talcher. Sources said That
in Deulabeda, Balungaon and NTPC railway sidings, besides in home
workshop and mine area, under the Lingaraj Mines there is no safe and
cold drinking water facility. Hundreds of workers, drivers, daily
labourers and employees are working in these areas under the sweltering
heat when at times temperature goes as high as 40-45 degree C.
A workers union has alleged that despite repeated complaints in this
regard with the authorities and proposals for taking adequate safety
measures at the Safety Committee, the Lingaraj Project Officer and Civil
Department were not any paying any heed.
There was a proposal in the PAC meet for a budget of Rs 1.89 lakh to
buy safe cold water daily for these units for three months during summer
but the management ignored it, alleged the union.
Instead the management was forcing the workers and employees to use
water from some old and defunct water filters. The union alleged that the
water from the water filters was not safe and its sample be tested at the
appropriate labs.
It further alleged that there are no rescue centres in these units for
addressing the heat related health issues. Similarly there are no fibre rest
shelters for the workers in the mine. That apart, ORS powder and towels
are not provided.
The union said when the MCL was providing revenues worth crores of
rupees to the State and Central Governments, ignoring the demands for
basic amenities and health measures during heatwave conditions was
unjustified. It warned to stall the mining operation if the management
remained callous.