Sanitary worker dies while removing hoarding in Mukundwadi

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A municipal corporation sanitation worker Amol Dinkar Jadhav (30) lost his life after a hoarding came into contact with a high-tension power line in the Mukundwadi area on Saturday morning. Despite six days of discussion about illegal banners in the city, no firm decision had been taken, and on the sixth day, the unlawful hoardings claimed a young man’s life.

Following the death, the civic administration sprang into action. The mayor Sameer Rajurkar declared a ‘zero tolerance’ stance on illegal banners, while municipal commissioner G Sreekanth stated that strict action would now be taken.

Fatal Accident in Mukundwadi

On Saturday at around 9.30 am, the sanitation worker was removing a hoarding installed on a temple rooftop in Mukundwadi village. During the process, the metal frame of the hoarding came into contact with an overhead high-tension electricity cable. The electric current passed through the frame, leaving Amol severely burnt and causing his death on the spot.

Amol (a resident of Sanjaynagar in Mukundwadi) had reported for duty at 5.30 am as usual. After completing routine cleaning work in the area, he and his colleagues were instructed by a senior officer at around 9 am to remove illegal banners. While bringing down a hoarding installed by local office-bearers from a temple, the accident occurred. His colleague, Ravi Randhir Ridlon (38, Gandhinagar), sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital, according to police.

Joined on compassionate grounds 9 months ago

Amol’s father works in the private sector. His mother, who had been employed as a sanitation worker with the municipal corporation, took voluntary retirement two and a half years ago. Earlier, Amol was working in a housekeeping section of a private bank. Thereafter, efforts were made to appoint Amol to a municipal post on compassionate grounds. Nine months ago, civic chief G Sreekanth approved his appointment, and Amol joined as a permanent sanitation worker.

Following Amol’s death, the Commissioner was reportedly overcome with emotion at the hospital, recalling the circumstances of his appointment.

Faithful until the end

Amol was known to be warm-hearted and sensitive. Before climbing to the temple rooftop to remove the hoarding, he removed his footwear outside the temple and asked his colleagues to do the same, respecting religious customs. Local residents became emotional while recounting this gesture.

Two young daughters left fatherless

Amol lived with his parents and wife. He is survived by two daughters, one aged three years and another just six months old. Neighbours said he would play with his daughters every evening and spoke warmly to everyone in the locality. Following his death while on duty, a pall of silence descended over Lane No. 5 in Sanjaynagar. Residents reported that not a single household cooked that day in mourning. Amol was the sole breadwinner of the family. He also leaves behind three married sisters.

Questions raised over safety protocols

The family has raised serious concerns regarding negligence by officials. They questioned why the mandatory safety measures were not followed:

Employees removing illegal banners and hoardings are required to wear safety helmets, gloves, safety shoes and reflective jackets.

Safety belts or harnesses must be used while removing hoardings at height.

When removing banners near electric poles or cables, coordination with electricity distribution officials is expected, and the power supply should be temporarily disconnected to prevent electric shock.

Amol was appointed as a sanitation worker; removing banners and hoardings was not part of his designated duties. The family has questioned why he was assigned this task without ensuring the necessary precautions.

Compensation of ₹11.5 million and job for wife

Under a special insurance policy recently arranged by the municipal corporation in partnership with a bank, the family of any employee who dies in an accident while on duty is entitled to compensation of ₹11.5 million (approximately 1.15 crore). Commissioner G. Sreekanth stated that Amol’s family will receive ₹11.5 million under this scheme, and his wife will be offered employment with the municipal corporation on compassionate grounds.