KATHMANDU: Even as new information about Odias stranded in quake-hit Nepal keep emerging, a preliminary official survey says 335 plumbers from Kendrapara district are currently trying to leave the Himalayan nation.
In view of the tragedy in Nepal and suffering of Odia migrants, Kendrapara district administration has embarked upon door-to-door survey to document work places of plumbers. The survey would be carried out by ward members and revenue inspectors.
Kendrapara is home to largest plumbers’ work force in the country. Skilled plumbers from this district are working in almost all major countries of the world.
“We have asked Sarpanchs in Patamundai and Aul blocks to provide information about plumbers working in Nepal. As per consolidated information, 335 workers are stranded in the quake-hit nation,” said Satya Narayan Acharya, District Labour Officer, over phone on Tuesday.
“The administration could do little for these overseas migrant workers. We are just forwarding names of these plumbers to the Resident Commissioner through the State government for their safe repatriation,” said Mr. Acharya.
Family members of plumbers alleged that their relatives were getting least priority in mass evacuation from Nepal while tourists and other foreign nationals were being picked up in the first place.
They said the frequency of phone calls from Nepal had come down and people were apprehensive of the safety. According to reports reaching here, there was no information of any casualty while four to five persons had sustained injuries.
