28-year-old worker dies after toxic gas exposure during manhole cleaning

Lucknow: A 28-year-old sanitation worker died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a manhole near the Chinhat tri-junction fruit market on Friday.The deceased, Lalaram, a resident of Mahmoodabad in Sitapur who lived in Malhaur, Chinhat, on rent, was engaged by a private contractor hired by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) for sewer line cleaning.According to officials, the incident took place around 3.30 pm when Lalaram, along with two other daily wagers, Lalit and Rajan, was brought by a third-party contractor company to remove sludge from a sewer line.Acting on instructions of supervisor Akash Kumar, the labourers entered the manhole without safety equipment. During the operation, Lalaram allegedly inhaled toxic gases accumulated inside the chamber and lost consciousness.Locals said co-workers and nearby residents tried to pull him out using a rope. After an initial failed attempt, he was rescued on the second attempt nearly 15 minutes later.An ambulance was called but took another 15 minutes to arrive. Though he was initially being taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Akash diverted him to a private hospital. He died before reaching medical care. Akash later fled the spot.

LMC commissioner Gaurav Kumar said a probe has been ordered to fix responsibility. “The contractor firm has been blacklisted and an FIR will be lodged. Financial assistance will be provided to the family,” he said.Highlighting safety norms, an LMC official said such work is carried out preferably at night with proper ventilation. “Multiple manhole lids are opened, oxygen is pumped into the line and levels are checked before entry,” the official said.“If all safety parameters are met, labourers must use protective equipment such as a tripod with winch, breathing apparatus, full-body harness and lifeline rope,” the official added.However, locals alleged that no such precautions were followed. Resident Prashant Chauhan said, “The workers had no safety gear except a rope. Within minutes, one of them became unconscious.”Lalaram was unmarried and is survived by his elder brother, who lives in Sitapur, the commissioner added.TOI report flagged safety concerned on May 23A TOI report titled ‘Sanitation workers clean drains without safety gear’ on May 23 highlighted widespread safety lapses in the city. During a ground check in Narhi, Hazratganj, Sadar and Aminabad, sanitation workers employed by private contractors engaged by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) were found manually cleaning sewer lines.