Hazardous negligence

 

 

Referring to “Land of work disasters” (TSI, Aug 9- 15). While it cannot be denied that India is perhaps becoming the epicentre of work-related health diseases, the conditions do not seem to improve in spite of big talks all over. The Union Carbide disaster does not seem to open our eyes. Though industrial centres are spewing toxic material that harm workers, the employers and the government are ineffective and indifferent. It is distressing to learn that factories obtain permission forcefully from the authorities. Such things are tolerated only in India. The workers are in no position to protest since it is the question of their and their families' survival. For the sake of their daily bread and butter, they endanger their lives to any extent. These centres are not only a source of danger to the workers but also to those who dwell in its vicinity. A foolproof structured process is the need of the hour to handle industrial hazards and save human lives.

Prem K. Menon

Mumbai