SHILLONG, July 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said the government is examining ways to provide financial assistance to the families of the five workers who died in the Lapalang borewell tragedy, even though Disaster Management guidelines do not provide for ex gratia compensation in such cases.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the victims belonged to economically weaker sections and the government was exploring possible options to extend support. He clarified there was no provision under the existing guidelines for assistance in accidents of this nature, but added that the financial condition of the affected families would be taken into account before a decision is taken.
The Chief Minister also assured strict action against those found responsible, stating that existing safety rules had been violated. “The law will take its course against those who ignored prohibitions and safety regulations,” he said.
Sangma revealed that he had received representations from several National People’s Party (NPP) units, including the Nongthymmai Block Executive Committee, urging the government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved families.
In a memorandum, NPP Nongthymmai Block Executive Committee president Rito Sing Syiem requested ex gratia compensation for the families of the five victims who died in the July 10 incident. The memorandum stated that three of the victims were engaged by a private contractor and are suspected to have died of asphyxiation caused by toxic gases or oxygen deficiency inside the confined space.
The NPP unit said such deaths were largely preventable through proper safety protocols, use of protective equipment, and prior testing of oxygen levels and toxic gases.
Pynthorumkhrah MLA A.L. Hek has promised to support the grieving kith and kin.
Hek, who visited the bereaved families immediately after the incident and provided whatever immediate assistance was possible, assured that he would take up the matter of financial support with the government.
“I have already met the families and shared in their grief. I will also discuss with the government what further assistance can be extended to them,” he said.
