Activists demand ₹50 lakh for families of workers killed in Bengaluru STP accident

On June 25, 2026, members of the Karnataka State Committee of Right to Information Activists gathered to stage a silent protest outside the office of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in Bengaluru. The demonstration was organized to demand a compensation of ₹50 lakh each for the families of two workers who died after falling into a deep sewage treatment plant.

The fatal accident took place on June 18, 2026, at a 40-foot-deep sewage treatment plant operated by the BWSSB. The tragedy has sparked widespread concerns regarding the safety of workers, the level of supervision provided at these facilities, and overall departmental accountability.

During their protest on Thursday, the activists submitted a formal letter addressed directly to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and BWSSB Chairperson Manjula N. The communication outlined the group's demands and highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms within the utility's operations.

One of the primary demands raised by the Karnataka State Committee of Right to Information Activists is the immediate recovery of the second worker's body, which remains untraced inside the facility. The group urged Chief Minister Shivakumar to ensure that all necessary resources are made available to the rescue teams. This includes supporting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire and Emergency Services, and BWSSB officials who are currently involved in the search operations.

Additionally, the activists have insisted on fixing strict accountability on the specific government departments and individual officials responsible for the safety lapse. They called for the stringent enforcement of safety standards at all sewage treatment plants to prevent similar fatal accidents from occurring in the future.