Laxman faults govt for Kaleshwaram tunnel mishap

Sircilla: BJP State president K Laxman has attributed Wednesday’s tunnel mishap in which seven labourers lost their lives to failure of contracting agency in taking safety measures during the execution of works.

It may be mentioned here that seven workers died and another sustained grievous injuries when a part of tunnel roof collapsed near Anantagiri village on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media persons at the mishap site near Tippapur on Thursday, he accused the HCC, the executing agency of tunnel works, of flouting the norms laid down by the mining act.

“Although the permission of the director general of mines safety is mandatory for the execution of works, and a case in regard with the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is pending with the National Green Tribunal, the government is going through with the project works,” Laxman said.

Referring to the Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia announced to the deceased’s families, he said that the government has no part in it as it was provided by the insurance companies as part of mining policy.

He demanded the government to extend its support as well. He also demanded an inquiry with the Directorate General of Mines Safety on the mishap and booking of a criminal case against the contracting agency.

Senior BJP leaders S Kumar, Raghunandan Rao, SV Subhash, Prathap Ramakrishna and Kotha Srinivas Reddy were among others present.

Meanwhile, Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao also inspected the accident site and said that the government would come to the rescue of the victims families.

He said all the workers, who lost their lives, had insurance and in addition, the government and the construction company would also help them in all possible ways.

He said he has sought detail report from the officials on the incident and necessary measures to prevent any such incidents in future would be taken.