How much salary increase for scuba divers of Amayizhanjan canal rescue mission? know all details here

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The scuba divers who all risked their lives in the garbage-infiltrated Amayizhanjan canal deserve special rewards more than any words of praise. However, it is learned that the scuba divers of the fire force will get only a paltry Rs 500 extra for the yeoman service provided.

There is no insurance cover for these scuba divers, in case of loss of life, illness or accident during the rescue operation. Fearing all these odds, only a few people come forward to take up this perilous job. The workers have been demanding insurance for ages but to no avail.

It was after 2020 that scuba divers were introduced to the fire force. All over Kerala, there are only 250 scuba divers in the fire force. And in the capital city, the numbers dwindle to just 23. Among this, only 10 divers will go deep into the water when called for any emergencies.

A team consisting of Assistant Station Officer KB Subhash, Sajayan, Anu, Vijin and Vivek went into the filthy waters of the Amayizhanjan canal for the rescue operations for the last few days. Since time was running out, the divers were not given any health precautions. All that was left was courage.

Only on Sunday did the health department give them doxycycline tablets for rabies and tetanus vaccination. They were subjected to a health check-up on Monday since the divers were in the sewage water for three days. ENT, skin and general checkups were done.

Scuba team members went for a swim in the sea yesterday, hoping that bathing in salt water would cure all the diseases. The divers of the Amayizhanjan Canal rescue mission are ready for any mission but they keep reminding the government that their lives too matter.