A tragic incident occurred at a private seafood export unit near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Sunday, resulting in the death of seven migrant workers due to an ammonia gas leak. Five of the victims were from Odisha, all of whom were tribal women aged between 19 and 22. They have been identified as Jimani Juang, Geetha Juang, Bhumiya Juang, Phulomani Juang, and Sibani, hailing from different villages in Keonjhar district. Most of the victims belonged to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). According to Keonjhar Divisional Labour Commissioner Surya Narayan Mali, officials have so far ascertained the address of Jimani Juang, who was from the Telkoi area, while efforts are on to contact the families of the other deceased.
Mali revealed that Jimani, 19, had been working at the seafood factory since October last year and was supporting her family. The incident highlights the fact that many young women from tribal areas of Keonjhar migrate to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to work in seafood processing units. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the family of each deceased worker.
A three-member Odisha government team, led by a senior official, reached Tiruvallur on Monday to coordinate with Tamil Nadu authorities and extend support to the families of the deceased labourers. The government is also taking steps to bring back the bodies after post-mortem examinations are completed. Furthermore, the government is ensuring that the injured labourers, many of whom are also from Odisha, receive the best possible medical care.
Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated that the chief minister has already held a high-level meeting over the incident and directed senior officials to remain in constant touch with the authorities in Tamil Nadu to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured labourers and extend all possible help.
