HC seeks suggestions to improve Alang workers’ conditions

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat high court on Wednesday sought suggestions to improve the condition of labourers at the Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yard, which is terribly lacking in health, sanitation and proper accommodation facilities for migrant workers.
A PIL was filed in April demanding an improvement in facilities for workers, proper coastal security and reduction in pollution levels.The court sought suggestions from all parties in the litigation to resolve the problem. The court said that a three-member committee, which included an environment expert, district collector and legal expert, could be formed to take the matter further.
The PIL submitted before the court that the ship-breaking yard in Alang started three decades ago and now is one of the largest yards in the world, but lacks basic facilities for workers. It sought the court’s instructions to the industry association and authorities to ensure proper medical and accommodation for the poor workers. The nearest full-fledged hospital is 50 km away from the ship-breaking yard. The petitioner’s counsel Jaysinh Jadeja contended that emergency medical treatment and sanitation facilities are guaranteed under the Inter State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act.
Nearly 20,000 migrant workers work here and are engaged in hazardous activities, and proper care must be taken of their health and safety. The PIL quoted the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Okechukwu Ibeanu, who visited Alang and said, “I am shocked by the extremely poor conditions in which most workers live in Alang.”