We, the undersigned, are heartbroken and outraged by the tragic loss of two lives—Atul Ratan Pawar and Riyaz Javed Pinjari—due to gross negligence and lack of safety measures during sewage chamber cleaning operations at Kolhewadi Road, near National School, Sangamner, Maharashtra, on July 11, 2025. This preventable tragedy highlights systemic failures in the oversight of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project and reckless contractor practices that put lives at risk. We demand immediate accountability, justice for the victims, and stringent measures to ensure such incidents never happen again.

The Tragic Incident: On July 11, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, Atul Ratan Pawar, a sanitation worker, entered a sewage chamber near Kolhewadi Road for cleaning as part of the ongoing STP project in Sangamner. Due to the complete absence of safety equipment or precautionary measures, Atul succumbed to toxic gas inhalation inside the chamber. Riyaz Javed Pinjari, a compassionate bystander who was not a sanitation worker, heroically attempted to rescue Atul out of sheer humanity. Tragically, Riyaz also fell victim to the poisonous gases and lost consciousness. Three other individuals who entered the chamber to save them also became unconscious due to the hazardous conditions. While Atul was declared dead upon extraction, Riyaz passed away later that night despite medical efforts. The other three individuals were hospitalized, underscoring the severity of the situation caused by the lack of safety protocols.

Systemic Failures and Negligence: This devastating incident exposes multiple layers of negligence and mismanagement by the Sangamner Municipal Council and the contractor involved, Mr. R.M. Katore

Lack of Safety Measures for Workers:

The workers, including Atul Pawar, were not provided with essential safety equipment such as gas masks, oxygen cylinders, or protective gear, nor were safety protocols enforced during the chamber cleaning. This blatant disregard for worker safety is unacceptable and violates basic occupational safety standards.

Contractor Negligence and Subcontracting Malpractices:

The contractor, Mr. R.M. Katore, reportedly subcontracted the work unofficially to another party without ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This subcontracting was done without the knowledge or approval of the Sangamner Municipal Council, leading to untrained and unequipped workers being sent into hazardous environments.

Failure of Municipal Oversight:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sangamner Municipal Council failed to monitor the ongoing sewer cleaning operations, despite the known risks of toxic gas exposure in such work. The absence of supervision and accountability from the municipal authorities allowed this tragedy to occur.These failures have resulted in the loss of two precious lives—Atul, a dedicated worker, and Riyaz, a selfless individual who risked his life to save another. The negligence of the municipal authorities and the contractor cannot go unpunished, and immediate steps must be taken to prevent further loss of life.

Our Demands: To honor the memory of Atul Ratan Pawar and Riyaz Javed Pinjari and to ensure such tragedies are never repeated, we urge the concerned authorities to take the following actions immediately

Investigate Contractor Negligence:

Conduct a thorough inquiry into Mr. R.M. Katore and the subcontractor for their negligence and illegal subcontracting practices. Hold them accountable for failing to provide safety equipment and for putting lives at risk.

Ensure Justice for the Victims:

Provide immediate compensation and support to the families of Atul Ratan Pawar and Riyaz Javed Pinjari. Register a case against the responsible parties, including the contractor and municipal officials, for criminal negligence causing death.

Enforce Strict Safety Protocols:

Mandate the use of proper safety equipment (e.g., gas masks, oxygen cylinders, protective suits) and training for all workers involved in sewage cleaning operations across Sangamner. Implement regular safety audits and monitoring by the municipal council.

Strengthen Municipal Oversight:

Hold the CEO and other officials of the Sangamner Municipal Council accountable for their failure to supervise the STP project and ensure safety. Establish a dedicated task force to monitor all sewage-related work in the city.

Collaborate with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB):

Work with the MPCB to ensure that all sewage treatment and cleaning operations in Sangamner comply with environmental and safety regulations, preventing further loss of life and environmental damage.

Engage with the Community:

Conduct public hearings to address the concerns of Sangamner’s residents regarding the STP project and ensure transparency in its execution.

Why This Matters: The loss of Atul Ratan Pawar, a sanitation worker, and Riyaz Javed Pinjari, a brave rescuer, is a tragedy that could have been prevented with basic safety measures and responsible oversight. No worker or citizen should lose their life due to preventable hazards, and no community should live in fear of unsafe civic projects. The Sangamner Municipal Council and the contractor must be held accountable for their negligence, and systemic changes must be implemented to prioritize safety and public welfare. This petition is a call to action for justice, transparency, and accountability in Sangamner’s civic operations.

Call to Action: We urge all citizens, activists, and concerned individuals to sign this petition and demand justice for Atul Ratan Pawar and Riyaz Javed Pinjari. Let us stand together to ensure that the Sangamner Municipal Council and the contractor take immediate action to address these failures and prevent further loss of life. Share this petition widely to amplify our voices and bring about meaningful change.Together, we can make Sangamner a safer place for all its residents and workers.