A Mission Bhagiratha site turns fatal as safety lapses claims in Telangana
Unjupalli, Cherla Mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem District — September 9, 2025:
A tragic accident at a Mission Bhagiratha site in Unjupalli village claimed the lives of three workers on Tuesday afternoon. The victims reportedly died of asphyxiation while working inside a ground-level service reservoir, raising serious concerns about safety protocols at government infrastructure sites.
The deceased have been identified as Neelam Tulasiram (37) from Lingapuram, Kaka Mahesh (34) from Unjupalli, and Ishaq (40) from Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh. A fourth worker, Kondal Rao from Kakinada, was rescued in an unconscious state and is currently receiving treatment at Bhadrachalam Area Hospital.
According to initial reports, the workers entered the sump to repair a water pump. Tulasiram and Mahesh were the first to descend into the confined space. When they failed to respond, Ishaq followed them in, and later Kondal Rao attempted a rescue. All four were found unconscious inside the reservoir.
Authorities suspect that toxic gases had accumulated inside the sump due to stagnant rainwater and waste buildup. The absence of ventilation and protective gear is believed to have contributed to the fatal outcome. No gas detection equipment was reportedly used, and there was no supervisor present during the operation.
Local residents expressed grief and outrage over the incident, demanding accountability and compensation for the families of the deceased. Cherla police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The reservoir, part of the Mission Bhagiratha initiative aimed at providing safe drinking water across Telangana, had been under construction for three months. The labourers involved were hired on a daily wage basis and reportedly lacked formal safety training.
District officials visited the site and assured a thorough inquiry. Post-mortem reports are awaited. The government has promised support to the bereaved families, while the labour department has initiated a safety audit of similar infrastructure sites.
This incident has reignited public debate over worker safety in government-run projects. Experts are calling for mandatory safety gear, confined space entry protocols, real-time hazard monitoring, and insurance coverage for daily wage labourers.
The Cherla tank tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform in labour welfare and infrastructure safety standards.
