Kolkata: The state govt would address systemic failures, the fallout of the lapses by the previous administrations, and ensure additional financial aid, job support and long-term rehabilitation for families affected by the collapse of the under-construction warehouse in Taratala, announced chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday.Promising reforms to prevent a repeat of a Taratala-like incident, Adhikari said, “Our effort will be to free Kolkata and Bengal of the consequences of the mistakes, committed by previous govts and civic body that led to repeated tragedies.” The CM met 17 survivors of the collapse and the families of the 16 deceased at Nabanna on Tuesday afternoon.Survivor Arman Khan alleged he had not received proper treatment after being discharged from hospital. Sheuli Rajak, who lost her husband to the collapse, appealed for a job to support her 14-year-old daughter. Adhikari handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh to each of the bereaved families and Rs 1 lakh to each survivor. He directed officials to look into further assistance from the labour department’s cess fund. He said children of the deceased would receive educational support, including hostel accommodation at govt institutions, wherever needed. Adhikari asked KMC to provide job to eligible members of affected families, pointing out family members of the deceased, who had passed class 10, could be considered for civic police volunteers’ posts. He also directed the health minister to ensure free medicines and treatment to the injured as long as needed.While Adhikari pointed out that the govt would work towards correcting the earlier lapses, which led to fatal incidents in the city, such as the Posta flyover collapse, Majerhat bridge disaster, Garden Reach building collapse, the Burrabazar fire and the Tiljala incident, he praised the quick rescue operation and the coordination among Kolkata Police, KMC, fire department, Army, NDRF and SDRF. “We managed to rescue 17 people, but we could not save 16 others. That is a matter of deep sorrow to us,” Adhikari said, adding the govt would strengthen rescue operations with better-trained teams and modern equipment.
