Haldia, a significant constituency in West Bengal, is witnessing heightened discussions around pollution and its effects, amid the ongoing electoral processes characterized by various other politically charged topics. Residents are increasingly vocal about the pressing need to tackle air and water pollution, emphasizing their desire for effective solutions rather than engaging in the political accusations prevalent during election campaigns. Local citizens are underscoring the urgent requirement for measures to improve environmental conditions, which they believe are key to public health.

Industrial Workers Demand Job Stability

In addition to environmental concerns, industrial workers in Haldia are advocating for the establishment of an Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital and a trauma unit. They are also highlighting significant disparities in salary and the lack of promotions since 2021 across the 67 factories in the region. SK Manirul Islam, a local resident, stressed the importance of addressing pollution, saying that any ruling party should prioritize the needs of the common people in reducing environmental hazards. He noted that the industrial area is plagued by dust and other pollutants, making it essential to implement more greenery and pollution control strategies.

Calls for Improvement in Water Quality

Community members are particularly worried about the health implications stemming from polluted water sources affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. SK Simsur, another Haldia resident, highlighted that all major rivers in the area are suffering from pollution, necessitating urgent government intervention to restore water quality. Residents believe that whoever takes power should address these pressing pollution issues to safeguard local health.

Struggles of Industrial Workers

Workers like Shankar Nayak are expressing frustration over the absence of contractual agreements since 2021, with many indicating there has been no promotional advancement during this time. Nayak emphasized that wages and job security are critical issues, with the workforce demanding timely promotions and implementation of necessary labor agreements. His sentiments reflect the concerns shared among many industrial workers in Haldia, who feel neglected in terms of labor rights and benefits.

Unmet Healthcare Needs for Workers

Further complicating the situation for industrial workers is the delayed operation of the ESIC hospital and trauma center, which they argue are crucial for their health and well-being. Dipankar, another worker, pointed out the challenges faced in emergencies due to the lack of operational healthcare facilities. Despite the construction of the hospital being completed, its non-functionality has left many workers without essential services they desperately need. Concerns regarding the government’s lack of action to operationalize this healthcare facility remain a pressing issue.

Accusations of Government Inaction

Uday Das, an industrial employee, claimed that the local government is obstructing the functioning of the ESIC projects, attributing this to their status as Central Government initiatives. He argues that this reluctance reflects a broader disinterest in workers’ welfare from the current administration. Such claims resonate among the workforce, who are left feeling that their rights and needs are not being adequately addressed, further intensifying the urgency of labor-related discussions in the lead-up to the elections.

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