Bhubaneswar: City contractors are reportedly taking the anti-sunstroke guidelines for granted as instances here are galore wherein daily wagers are working under a scorching sun this summer.
The state government has issued an advisory for the people to stay indoors between 11am and 3pm during the summer. However, it is evident that the guideline is not being adhered to as labourers, including drivers and rickshaw pullers, in the city are engaged in work during the peak hours.
“I have to carry the steel bars, cement sacks and other construction materials to several sites in the city, but I always carry a water bottle with me. Although it is very difficult to work in this extreme heatwave condition, people like us are left with no option,” Panda said.
“We are usually picked by the contractors after hard bargain. The heatwave condition is definitely a concern for us, but we need to work for survival. If we will not be ready to work, the contractor will get another person. So, we have to make a compromise,” said Govinda Mahanta, a construction worker.
Some of the women labourers also told this newspaper that they are not getting their due.
“We are often paid around `200 per day. The broker takes a commission of `50. We are not getting enough money though we have to slog throughout the day. So, we request the government to come up with more schemes to address our plight,” said a woman labourer requesting anonymity.
When contacted, Bhubaneswar labour officer N Kumura said enforcement team would visit construction sites and action would be taken against the offenders.
“We have decided to visit the construction sites and other work places to ensure that government order is followed. Stern action will be taken against the violators and the team will also make sure that workers are provided enough access to drinking water at all the sites,” Kumura added.
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