Workers toil sans safety gear to put city’s devpt on fast track

Guwahati: As work progresses on the much anticipated flyover in the city's Chandmari area, a disturbing reality has come to light. Construction workers are toiling at great heights without adequate safety gear, despite the hazardous nature of their work. It has been observed that workers often sustained injuries due to inadequate safety measures and exposures to hazardous working conditions. Public Work Department (PWD) New Guwahati division executive engineer Bhaskar Bhagawati said, "Safety of the workers is important and it is the responsibility of the contractors to provide necessary safety gear. However, since the PWD monitors these matters, we will look into it," the official said. While Assam govt emphasises that construction workers should wear hard hats, steel toed shoes, gloves and ear muffs, a visit to the construction site in Noonmati showed a different picture. Some of the construction workers were seen moving across exposed reinforcement bars atop the pier on the under construction flyover without any protective gear. In the Silpukhuri area, several workers were seen working around a large steel reinforced cage. While some were wearing protective jackets, the others only had their helmets on. None of the workers were seen wearing the complete protective gear. Saddam Ali, a construction worker from Assam's Barpeta district, said, "I have suffered severe cuts while working. The constant exposure to smoke and dust makes it difficult to breathe."Another worker Hari Deka added that despite repeated requesting for protective equipment, the contractors often delay providing them, assuring them that the material will be supplied later. Medicine specialist Dibyajyoti Doley highlighted that prolonged exposure can lead to lung and heart diseases over time. It may also increase the risk of bronchitis, allergies and asthma. Additionally, extended exposure can result in chronic skin damage due to frequent cuts, burns and unhealed wounds. Moreover, heavy metals and nitrous compounds can further elevate the risk of both skin and lung cancer.Meanwhile, All Assam Construction Workers' Union general secretary Phanidhar Das condemned this blatant neglect and expressed deep concern over the authorities failure to address the pressing issues faced by construction workers. " Whenever, a tender is given to a contractor, state govt must ensure that the workers are provided with the essential items. However, there is no check on these measures. Apart from safety, hygienic at the construction sites is also not ensured. This is unacceptable and unjust."