Concerns have been raised over safety standards at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant after a series of reported workplace accidents that have triggered strong political reactions. Former minister Perni Venkataramaiah Nani sharply criticized the management, questioning whether the lives of workers are being given adequate importance amid growing safety lapses.

He alleged that repeated incidents inside the plant reflect negligence in maintaining proper safety protocols and demanded accountability from the authorities. According to him, industrial growth should never come at the cost of workers’ lives, and strict measures must be enforced immediately to prevent further tragedies.

The issue has sparked wider debate over occupational safety in public sector industries, with trade unions and workers urging the management to strengthen safety infrastructure, improve monitoring systems, and ensure regular inspections. The situation highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach between production targets and human safety, ensuring that workers are protected while sustaining industrial operations.