Telkoi, Aug 20: The Tamil Nadu shrimp factory ammonia gas tragedy, which claimed the lives of 15 young Juang women, continues to haunt the families and survivors.While the incident shocked the nation, several survivors are reportedly still battling severe health complications and struggling to access proper medical care.
One of them is Seema Juang, a young woman from Rangamatia village under Telkoi block in Keonjhar district. Seema survived prolonged treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Medical College in Tamil Nadu after suffering severe burns and injuries due to exposure to ammonia gas. However, her condition remains critical. She is reportedly unable to stand properly and has difficulty speaking.
Her family has also alleged serious lapses in communication and support from the authorities. According to the family, the Labour Department did not provide timely information about Seema's condition or whereabouts. Her father, despite being uneducated and facing financial difficulties, travelled to Tamil Nadu on his own to locate his daughter and stayed with her for 28 days before bringing her back home at his own expense.
After returning to Odisha, Seema's condition reportedly received little attention from local authorities. Her father allegedly had to mortgage his land to take her to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment. However, the family returned home before completing the treatment due to financial and other difficulties.
Later, with the help of a social worker from the Juang community, the family contacted the Telkoi Block Labour Officer. Instead of visiting Seema at her home, the officer allegedly asked the critically ill woman to travel around 30 km to Telkoi. The family eventually approached the district headquarters and met the Additional District Magistrate after failing to meet the District Collector, who was reportedly on leave.
Juang community activists have strongly criticised the alleged administrative apathy, accusing the Labour Department of failing to provide adequate support to the survivors. They have also claimed that several other young women affected by the ammonia gas incident are still recovering at their homes without proper medical assistance.
The Additional District Magistrate reportedly assured the family that ₹10,000 financial assistance had been provided and that arrangements would be made for Seema's advanced treatment.
However, Juang volunteer Ramakanta Juang alleged that the administration has largely forgotten the survivors of the tragedy and urged authorities to ensure proper medical care, financial assistance and rehabilitation for all affected workers.
