Yadgir Gas Leak: State Orders Detailed Inquiry, Assures Compensation
The minister directed the authorities to ensure that the statutory compensation due to the families of the deceased is released at the earliest.
Kalaburagi: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday said that officials have been asked to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the sulphur dioxide gas leak at a pharmaceutical chemical unit in Yadgir district that claimed the lives of three workers, and directed officials to ensure that compensation is paid to the victims' families without delay.
Expressing grief over the incident at the industrial unit in Kadechur Industrial Area, Kharge conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the two injured workers a speedy recovery.
The minister directed the authorities to ensure that the statutory compensation due to the families of the deceased is released at the earliest. He said the company had assured the government that it would pay Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the three workers who lost their lives.
In addition, Kharge said all other benefits and compensation payable under the ESIC scheme and the Factories Act would also be provided to the affected families without delay in accordance with the law.
Kharge said officials had been instructed to ascertain the exact cause of the gas leak through a detailed investigation and submit a report. He also said the incident would prompt a review of safety compliance in industrial units across Karnataka, stressing that worker safety protocols must be implemented strictly in all factories.
Karnataka Medical Education Minister and Yadgir in-charge Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, who visited the spot, said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted into the incident.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the accident site, the minister said he had sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner on the incident.
Dr Patil said he would discuss the matter with Industries Minister MB Patil, following which the Industries Department would also submit a separate report on the incident.
He also assured that the district administration, in coordination with the concerned departments, would take necessary steps to ensure that appropriate compensation is provided to the families of the deceased workers.