Social activist demands compensation to Brandix gas leak victims

Visakhapatnam Social activist and former IAS officer EAS Sarma has asked the Andhra Pradesh government to implement the order issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for payment of compensation to women who fell sick during the gas leakage from Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) at Atchutapuram in Anakapalle district. In a letter to Special Chief Secretary (Industries) R Karikal Valaven said the Scientists for People had already submitted its report on the accident and alleged that due to official apathy, the women affected earlier by the Brandix accident are yet to get compensation despite an NGT order. He said "It is now the turn of Sahithi Pharma whose promoters are equally callous, leading to a fatal accident." The incident has already claimed four lives and two more workers are battling for life. Their condition was stated to be critical.

"What is happening in the State? Are promoters of potentially dangerous industrial units protected by the government and are given a license to cause fatalities," he asked, expressing concern over spate of fatal industrial accidents in and around Visakhapatnam.