The Kashmir Scenario Disclosure
In our first series on the violation of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), we via series of disclosures and ground situation analysis clearly highlighted the illegal and inhumane approach adopted by the Hindustan Construction Company which boasts in self-pride of being one of the leading construction companies of India but when it comes to Kashmir, the company is turning a blind eye towards prescribed norms and rules.
Pertinently, the destruction of natural environment of Bandipore by HCC and violation of laid out safety norms and rules aptly prove this veracity. The rot runs deeper .As a matter of fact, HCC is brazenly violating all the prescribed norms and regulations.
On the one side of the spectrum, whatever are the prescribed norms on safety and protection, the HCC clearly violates all these without any grudges. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPPe’s) which form the integral part of safety mechanism are nowhere present in the operational mechanism.
According to reliable sources, even the mandatory equipment’s are not present in HCC. Astonishingly enough, there are no assembly points for workers in case any eventuality takes place and this is clear violation of all the laid out norms and rules. On the other hand, there is no concept of tool talk in the company wherein the workers are trainedabout functioning of tools and different processes during working. Even other basic Personal Protective Equipment like Safety Harness Belt which is to be used by workers while performing their duties on high altitudeand is to be necessarily provided to ensure the safety of workers. No lighting system and barricading is installed while working on roads which otherwise is a mandatory feature. HCC does not even have deputed ‘Signal Men’ which could aware about dangers by hoisting flags.
It is a well-known veracity that “Toolbox talks” are safety lectures aimed at the construction trade. The lectures are intended to educate workers about creating and maintaining safer work conditions, and attendanceis mandatory under company laws. In addition to the construction industry, mining companies and heavy manufacturers also hold toolbox talks. Many companies provide toolbox talks in modular form, so that a safety educator has a curriculum readily available. While as HCC boasting of its strength as leading Construction Company of India has shamefully ignored this vital concept.
Secondly, according to our reliable sources no tagging or standard rating of machines has been conducted thus gravely endangering the life of workers.
The unlawful approach of HCC does not stop here .Infact, the majority of employees working with HCC in Kashmir have not been provided with any sort of employment letters which is clear cut violation of given labour & employment rules and regulations. Not only these grave veracities, the company for a majority of time made its employees to work under contractors and sub-contractors and thus reminding one of the bleak labour environment situation prevailing in the HCC.
On environmental side, one is already aware that HCC has been no less than a catastrophe for the serenity of Bandipore.It is a well-known veracity that HCC diverts the chemically polluted water into the nearby beautiful and important streams of the area thus polluting Madhumati River, which is the main water source for whole Bandipore Township, and adjoining villages and all this has continuously made local population aghast.
While talking to The Kashmir Scenario over the issue Minister for Labour and Employment, AjaySadhotra stated – “Since you have brought to my notice we will look into the mechanism followed by the Hindustan Construction Company while engaging the human resource for diverse employment purposes.
As far as the safety issues are concerned it is our utmost priority to assure that workers and all related human resources work in a safe atmosphere .We will enquire about the matter and if rules are being flouted we would take strict action.”
When The Kashmir scenario talked to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr. Asgar HassanSamoon over the issue of HCC, he stated –“Whenever we get directions from Hon’ble High Court we immediately implement those over such burning issues. Yes definitely there are some environmental problems created and D.C Bandipore has laid out clear guidelines for the functioning of HCC .I agree that we should conduct a complete environmental assessment report in the area and fix the responsibilities if damages are being incurred, be it the conduct of HCC or NHPC, it is the paramount duty of the Central Government to ensure that they work in a transparent manner. Media should also share with us all the credible reports and details about their functioning and we will definitely take necessary action in this regard.”
According to experts and sane voices, the present safety mechanism and labour and employment policy followed by the Hindustan Construction Company makes it synonym of a “Colonial Company” which treats its employees like workers of a colony.
Destruction to serene environment of Bandipora, violation of all the laid out safety procedures and rules, flouting of given employment guidelines, violations of other related norms suggest that HCC is functioning in a manner where Kashmir is merely treated as a ‘Milch Cow by the HCC without following even basic rules and regulations and the continuous destruction of the flora and fauna cannot be ignored, just on the mere ground that the HCC is doing a sucessful work on hydroelectric project. The state administration has to see that development cannot go along with devastation to the flora and fauna, but it has to move in a harmonious way.