Two Labourers Died While Fixing Jal Jeevan Mission Tank Leak: NHRC Seeks Action from Uttar Pradesh Labour Department
Deaths of workers during government-funded infrastructure projects expose deep failures in safety, accountability, and enforcement of labour laws. One such tragic incident occurred in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, where two labourers lost their lives while repairing a water tank under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Incident Reported in Media
On 18 May 2025, the Hindi daily Dainik Jagran reported a tragic accident under the headline:
According to the report:
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The incident occurred during repair work of a water tank constructed under the Jal Jeevan Mission
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A lifter machine sank into a swampy area, overturned, and struck a wall
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Two labourers, Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel, who were sitting on the trolley, fell down and died
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After the incident, no officials or employees of the executing company (L&T) reached the site
The report raises serious concerns regarding workplace safety, supervision, and post-incident accountability.
Complaint Submitted to NHRC
In light of the incident, I submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 19 May 2025, seeking:
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A fair and independent investigation into the deaths
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Accountability of contractors and authorities responsible for safety lapses
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Compensation and relief for the families of the deceased workers
The matter was registered by NHRC as:
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Case No.: 11474/24/20/2025
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Category: Deaths/Injury in Unorganized Sector
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Victims: Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel
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Place of Incident: Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh
NHRC Directs Labour Commissioner to Act
After examining the complaint, the NHRC, through its Action Taken Report (ATR) order dated 13 August 2025, observed:
Two labourers died when a lifter machine overturned and hit a wall while fixing leakage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The incident occurred due to the machine sinking into a swampy area, and no officials visited the site afterward. The complaint seeks a fair investigation and compensation for the victims' families.
The Commission directed the Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh, to:
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Examine the complaint
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Take appropriate action as per law
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Submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks
This direction confirms that the Commission found the matter serious enough to require intervention by the state labour authorities.
Why This Case Matters
This incident highlights critical systemic issues:
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Unsafe working conditions in government-funded projects
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Neglect of labour safety norms in the unorganized sector
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Lack of immediate response by executing agencies
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Vulnerability of poor workers whose deaths often go unaccounted
Deaths at worksites are not “accidents” when safety protocols are ignored. They are violations of the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Call for Accountability
I urge:
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The Labour Department, Uttar Pradesh, to conduct a transparent and time-bound inquiry
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Fix responsibility on contractors and officials for negligence
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Ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the families
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Enforce labour safety laws strictly in Jal Jeevan Mission and similar projects
Development cannot be built on the lives of unprotected workers.
Conclusion
The NHRC’s intervention is a crucial step, but justice will only be complete when:
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Accountability is fixed
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Families receive compensation and dignity
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Preventive mechanisms are strengthened to ensure such tragedies do not recur
Every worker’s life matters.
Date: Wed, Aug 13, 2025, 21:02
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -11474/24/20/2025
To: <lcup@uplabourdeptt.com>, <labourcom@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>
 |
| NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION |
| MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023 |
| Fax No.: 011-24651332 Website: www.nhrc.nic.in |
| (Law Division) |
| Case No.- 11474/24/20/2025 |
| Date : 13/08/2025 |
| To, |
| THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh UTTAR PRADESH UTTAR PRADESH Email- lcup@uplabourdeptt.com,labourc |
| Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from |
LENIN RAGHUVANSHI |
| Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -11474/24/20/2025. |
| Sir/ Madam, |
| The complaint/ intimation dated 19/05/2025, was placed before the Commission on 13/08/2025. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows: |
| Two laborers, Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel, died when a lifter machine overturned and hit a wall while fixing leakage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The incident occurred due to the machine sinking into a swampy area, and no L&T officials visited the site afterward. The complaint seeks a fair investigation and compensation for the victims' families. Let a copy of complaint be transmitted to the Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh calling for an Action Taken Report within four weeks. Put up after four weeks. |
| 2. Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter. |
| 3. Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained. |
Your’s faithfully |
| CC to |
Complainant Details Indrajeet Kumar |
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