The Trinamool-run Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) — the largest civic body in north Bengal — will issue a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) to realtors working across the civic area in connection with the safety of workers serving in construction sites.

Mayor Gautam Deb, who held a meeting with realtors and representatives of the CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India) on Friday, said they have readied the SOP and will soon circulate it among those associated with real estate.

"We have prepared a 12-point guideline and the realtors must follow it. Adherence to the guidelines will ensure the safety of thousands of workers who are associated with the construction of buildings. It will be served among all construction agencies, individual developers, and engineers,” said Deb.

According to the SMC sources, the decision was taken as in the current year, four workers — serving in different construction sites — lost their lives in accidents. When the civic body examined the cases, it was found that the workers didn't take the necessary precautions.

As of now, there are around 30,000 under-construction buildings, spread across 47 wards of the city.

In the set of guidelines, the importance has been given to the use of gear like helmets, safety belts, and proper ladders.

“Engaging a safety officer at the construction sites has also been recommended,” said a source.

Realtors of the town have welcomed the decision. Naresh Agarwal, the vice-president of CREDAI, Bengal — who is based in Siliguri — said they have already apprised their members about the civic body's decision.

In Siliguri, around 50 developers are registered with the CREDAI.

“We have instructed all of our members to follow proper safety measures at the construction sites and they are adhering to it. Now, they will also follow the guidelines that the SMC will provide to us,” said Agarwal.