GHMC sanitation worker killed as tractor crashes into disused drainage sump

Serilingamapally: A Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) sanitation worker Venkatesh (42) was killed on Friday when a tractor with sand crashed in a disused drainage sump in Miyapur Janapriya Phase II. A native of Ramannapet in Warangal district, he has been living in New Colony, Miyapur, with family for ten years. 

He leaves behind wife and a son and a daughter. GHMC West Zone Commissioner Harichandana, MLA Arekapudi Gandhi, Madhapur Corporator V Jagdishwar Goud, Chandanagar Deputy Commissioner were present during relief measures taken for the benefit of the bereaved family. The GHMC sanitation workers staged a demonstration to protest against officials shifting body of venkatesh in an ambulance without showing it to his family. They also demanded payment of compensation to the family.

Expressing shock over the tragic incident, BJP State Executive member Jnanendra Prasad accused  GHMC officials of being negligent in failing to close the disused drainage sump and fixing a  red-zone board surrounding it. He told The Hans India that the incident occurred when a contractor was taking up maintenance work by bringing sand in tractor from a  far off place. The tractor with Venkatesh as helper had crashed into the sump killing him. 

Prasad conveyed his condolences to the family, while demanding payment of Rs.20 lakh as ex-gratia. He also demanded action against GHMC officials and the contractor, holding them responsible for the mishap. The BJP leader wanted the administration to close many such drains in the City or build protective wall around them.