Amaravati: Absence of basic amenities and poor security became a threat to the lives of workers at the temporary Secretariat construction site at Velagapudi. The CRDA had taken up the temporary Secretariat construction as a prestige uissue and the workers were working round-the-clock to complete the buildings by June 15.
A worker died on duty while handling a concrete mixer at the site on Tuesday. Earlier also, a worker died at the workplace. The workers alle-ged that lack of basic amenities and absence of proper security was the cause of the repeated accidents at the site.
Earlier in March, drill operator Samrat Rout belonging to West Ben-gal died on the spot when a rig suddenly fell on him. As many as 1,100 workers are enga-ged in the works by contactors L&T Constru-ctions and Shoperji and Pallonji.
The two contractors are carrying on construction works in three shifts, which is putting extra pressure on the workers. The workers are living in tiny rooms without proper space for sleeping and rest and with only a few toilets. The temperature is 40 to 45 degree Celsius at the site and staying in the cubicles with asbestos roofsadding to the heat which is forcing the workers to stay outside.
Workers K. Sudhendu, Subrato and others said that the workers came from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other areas and are unable to bear the scorching summer heat. They said that the-re are no basic amenities in the tiny rooms and they are continuously shedding sweat while at work and during night also.
They said they are facing severe hardships due to hot temperature and demanded better basic amenities like good spacious rooms with fans and drinking water facility.
CPM capital area committee coordinator Ch. Babu Rao alleged that the L & T company did not pay salaries to the workers for the past three months. He alleged that there is no proper security at Velagapudi. He said the contractors are not even supplying helmets which would save the workers.
Protesters lathicharged at Secretariat workplace
The workers led by the Citu and the CPM blocked the road leading the police to to lathi charge and arrest them on Tuesday evening at Velagapudi.
The workers who were living amidst poor conditions without proper basic amenities in the cubicle-like rooms squatted on the Velagudi road seeking betterment of facilities and implementation of labour laws.
CPM capital committee coordinator Ch. Babu Rao alleged that there is no eight hours norm and no payment for overtime. He alleged total violation of labour rights at Velagapudi. He demanded good quarters, payment of pending three months wages, medical facility, insurance, protection and safety norms implementation at Velagapudi.
The workers boycotted works and announced that they will continue the protest till implementation of labour laws. As the work was stopped, the police rushed to the spot and appealed to workers to resume work by concluding the protest, but in vain.
The protesters were adamant and aired slogans against L&T Constructions alleging severe negligence. The police started lathicharge and arrested eight leaders of the CPM and other organisations.
