Chennai: The pathetic lifestyle led by the workers at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS) in Ennore speaks volumes about the negligence of the officials.
Contaminated water, the 600-odd labourers working at the stage - 2 of the NCTPS are deprived of the basic amenities. Their woes are multiplied, as they are not even provided with hygienic restrooms.
The Central Organisation of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board workers filed a petition last month, seeking the NCTPS authorities to supply hygiene water to its workers. A visit to the construction area this morning puts forth shocking truths - a stinking toilet, broken pipelines and unhygienic kitchen.
The dingy kitchen at the locality is just a few yards away from a drain and cooking in such circumstances is a real health hazard. K Venkataiah a union leader, said, “ Drinking water is terrible here. The water sump at the canteen is not even covered with a lid and we can see the birds taking a dip. The food supplied in the canteen is mostly stale.”
A reverse osmosis plant was set up recently, but the workers still complain of the polluted water. "The water is still yellow, possibly due to the contamination of ions. The restrooms are highly unhygienic too," he added.
Arul Nathan R, an electrician working here had suffered food poisoning, he said: “The canteen food was cooked in the contaminated water, the reason why I suffered food poisoning. Since there were no hotels nearby, we did not have any option but to consume food here.” The authorities from the NCTPS are not available for the comment.
Though the NCTPS constructed a lounge for the women, they have failed to ensure that the purpose is served. A woman worker, seeking anonymity said, “Ladies lounge was built for us to take a rest during lunch time. But, as the securities are now using it, we eat in the parking area or in the canteen. We are deprived of a short nap, that would refresh us”.
