The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated action after a worker died and two others were injured from inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a sewer chamber in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The NHRC has summoned the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Ujjain Superintendent of Police for a detailed report within two weeks, expressing concerns over potential human rights violations. The incident, which occurred during a sewerage project near Pipli Naka on the Bhairavgarh road, led to one worker’s death and the hospitalization of the other two.
Authorities are investigating the incident that took place on July 7, where two workers felt suffocated inside the sewer chamber, prompting a third worker to enter and subsequently lose consciousness. Prompted by residents, a rescue operation was carried out by police personnel and locals, who then rushed all three laborers to a hospital for treatment. Police suspect that the workers were exposed to toxic gases within the confined space, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fatality.
In response to the tragedy, an inquiry has been launched to ascertain whether the laborers were equipped with necessary safety gear and if standard procedures were followed during the sewerage work. The investigation is set to include statements from the contractor, site supervisors, and other workers present during the incident, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the workers’ exposure to the hazardous gases.
