If Cost of death escalates, will the State invest in keeping its citizens alive?
The tragic air accident in Ahmedabad involving the Air India flight has shocked the world. Air travel is one of the safest modes of transport, and when such a tragedy occurs, it is heartbreaking. Although nothing can compensate for the loss of life of the dear ones, Air India's parent company, Tata, has announced a compensation of `1 crore for the families of the victims. Though this may appear generous, under the international Montreal Convention, the airline is liable to pay a compensation amounting to 1,51,880 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per deceased passenger. This translates to approximately Rs 1.8 crore at the current exchange rates to the next of kin. It is unclear whether the Tata offer is in addition to the mandatory payment of Rs 1.8 crore as per law.
A few days before the tragic air accident, some passengers of Mumbai's infamous local trains fell off the overcrowded compartments and died. These were daily commuters struggling to make a living in one of the world's most prosperous cities. The Maharashtra government promptly announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs. Railways have remained silent so far, but as per the Railways Act of 1989, the Railways are bound to give a compensation of Rs 8 lakh. For this, the kin of the victim will have to file a claim with the Railway Claims Tribunal, and the compensation may take many years to be fruitful, if at all. On an average, the passengers in an international flights are wealthier than an average commuter in a Mumbai local. The disparity in compensation between the two sets of victims is glaring. All lives are equal, but some lives are more equal in our society.
Life is so cheap in India. The victory celebration of the IPL champions claimed many lives in Bengaluru a few weeks ago. Many died in a stampede in Kumbh Mela; we don't even know how many actually died there. The accident in Mumbai local that claimed five lives are in headlines only because they happened together in one tragic accident. It is estimated that on an average seven people die every day in accidents related to Mumbai local. That is around three thousand victims a year. To put things in perspective, total number of terror victims in India last year was 87, including the terrorists killed. In other words, commuting to office or college in a Mumbai local is more dangerous than living in a terror-prone area.
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New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
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New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Old tea godown threatens Fort Kochi boat jetty; SWTD seeks its demolition
KOCHI: An old godown building, in dilapidated condition, is threatening the Fort Kochi customs boat jetty, which is relied on by hundreds of commuters and tourists. In fact, a portion of the large building has already caved in, damaging the ceiling of the walkway of the boat jetty, which was reopened to the public just a couple of months ago following a `80-lakh renovation. The 'Imperial' building, owned by a Willingdon Island-based export company engaged in tea packaging, used to exhibit artwork during the Kochi Biennale. But now, it's mostly employed as a godown. Constructed using stones and mud bricks, it has the height of a two-storey building. With the structure threatening to cave in at any time, the state water transport department (SWTD) and the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has written to Kochi corporation, demanding that the building be demolished. 'A portion of the building caved in last week, damaging the roof of the jetty, which was aesthetically renovated using a false ceiling and illuminating lights. We suffered a damage of Rs 20,000. We've also taken up the issue with the Disaster Management Authority,' a senior SWTD official said. The portion of the walkway facing the godown building is restricted for commuters to ensure their safety. As a result, the walkway connecting the jetty with the road remains crowded during rush hour. Meanwhile, ward councillor and health standing committee chairperson T K Ashraf has also filed a complaint, demanding the immediate demolition of the 'dangerous' building, following which the corporation assistant executive engineer served a notice to the owner, A V Agencies. The notice threatened action under the Kerala Municipality Act if the owner fails to act. 'Firm to bear expense' Meanwhile, Kalvatty ward member Ashraf said he held talks with representatives of the company, which owns the building, and the latter agreed to demolish the portion posing a danger to the boat jetty. 'The company agreed to bear the expense for levelling the section, which will probably start tomorrow itself. Demolition experts visited the site today. A fire force team also examined the building and agreed to assist the process. The continuous rain has worsened the situation. We've initiated action on a war footing,' he told TNIE. 'A portion caved in last week, and no measure has been taken yet to ensure the safety of commuters. We demand that authorities demolish the building at the earliest,' said M M Abbas, president of the West Kochi Passengers Association.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Air India plane crash: Wreckage being shifted to airport premises in Ahmedabad
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