Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Working president of the J&K Congress Committee, Raman Bhalla today expressed shock and anguish over the tragic collapse of a portion of a bridge in the Bantalab area on outskirts of Jammu, which left several labourers trapped under debris and resulted in loss of precious lives.
Terming the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, Bhalla said that such tragedies reflect serious lapses in planning, supervision, and safety compliance at work sites. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, while standing in solidarity with all those affected.
Expressing concern over the timing of the incident, Bhalla questioned why labourers were engaged in hazardous work on the International Labour Day—a day dedicated to honouring the dignity, rights, and welfare of workers. He stated that instead of ensuring their safety and welfare, workers were exposed to life-threatening conditions, which raises serious questions about the enforcement of Labour laws and safety regulations.
Calling for a high-level, time-bound enquiry, Bhalla demanded that responsibility be fixed at all levels be it contractors, executing agencies, or supervising authorities. He emphasized that mere inquiries are not enough unless they lead to strict action against those found negligent. “Accountability must not end on paper. Those responsible for compromising worker safety must face legal consequences,” he asserted.
Bhalla further urged the Government to enforce compulsory safety measures, including the provision of protective gear, on-site supervision by qualified engineers, and real-time monitoring of construction activities. He also advocated for the creation of a robust emergency response mechanism at all major project sites to ensure immediate medical assistance.
Demanding justice for the victims, Bhalla called for immediate compensation to the next of kin (NoKs) of those who lost their lives, so that their families can sustain themselves with dignity.
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