2 IMC workers die after entering sewer chamber

Indore: Two Indore municipal corporation sanitation workers died after entering a sewer chamber near Choithram Hospital in Indore on Monday.Chief minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the deaths of the two sanitation workers and announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to the family members of the deceased sanitation workers.
DCP Krishna Lalchandani said the incident occurred near Choithram Mandi Gate under Zone 13 limits around 6.30 pm. The two workers— Karan and Ajay – went into the chamber to retrieve a portion of the suction tanker pipe that fell inside while they were emptying water from the de-watering vehicle."Preliminary information indicates that the workers had not entered the chamber for routine cleaning. After emptying a septic tank, the team had reached near the Choithram Hospital gate to discharge the collected water into a primary line chamber. While the de-watering vehicle was releasing the water, its pipe slipped and fell inside the open chamber. In a bid to retrieve the pipe, sanitation worker Karan allegedly stepped into the chamber without informing others," said IMC commissioner Kshitij Singhal."He is believed to have slipped and fallen inside. Seeing him in distress, fellow worker Ajay entered the chamber to rescue him. Both were later found unresponsive," said Singhal.Officials suspected the presence of toxic gases inside the chamber led to suffocation. The two workers were pulled out and rushed to hospital, where they were declared dead after examination. Police said the exact cause of death will be confirmed following the post-mortem.Chief minister Yadav has directed that Rs 30 lakh compensation each be given to the families of two sanitation workers who died inside a sewer chamber. The decision follows a 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court of India mandating Rs 30 lakh compensation in cases of sewer deaths. Expressing grief over the incident, the Chief minister instructed officials to release the assistance in accordance with the court's order.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !