Minor labourer falls from 50-ft water tank in Odisha’s Balasore

Nilagiri: Raising serious concerns on the State government’s efforts to curb child labour, a minor worker suffered critical injuries after he fell from a 50-feet high under-construction water tank in Nilagiri in Odisha’s Balasore district today. The victim was initially rushed to Nilagiri hospital and later to the district headquarters hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment.

As per reports, the boy was engaged for construction of a water tank under the State government’s Basudha scheme in Chotakanpur village under Baunsabania panchayat of Nialgiri division. He was working on the tank when he suddenly slipped and fell from a height of 50-feet.

Locals nearby rushed to his help and called the ambulance. But as the ambulance did not reach on time, they took the victim on a bike to the  nearest hospital. Later, the boy was shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Balasore as his condition deteriorated. Sources said the boy was not wearing any helmet or safety gear while working.

The incident has triggered anger among people and raised questions on how a minor was engaged for work under a government scheme and why measures are not taken to ensure safety of workers.