Amidst a staggering number of Covid infections in worst-hit Sundargarh district, over 40 employees of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) have died of the deadly virus in its second wave.While Covid is claiming two or three lives every day in district, the RSP staffs are not exempted from the severity of virus. Reports said that as many as 50 RSP employees have succumbed to Covid in past one year. Last year, eight RSP employees had died in the first wave of pandemic. But highest number of fatalities is recorded in 2nd wave this year.
According to reports, Sundargarh district had reported first Covid deaths in 2nd wave on April 10 when two RSP employees had succumbed to virus. Since then, the toll is up day by day. By May 19, 42 staffs, including two in ranks of GM, six DGMs and an AGM, had died during treatment. In second wave, the family members of 19 deceased employees have also died of disease. Children of two RSP employees lost their parents to Covid. Source said that about 800 employees of RSP have been infected, of which more than 400 have recovered and some are under treatment. The deaths have sent a shockwave among the employees.
Despite loss of lives, the RSP authorities reportedly are not enforcing Covid guidelines at office. Instead of managing office with 60/70% employees, it is functional with 100% employees’ attendance.