After the set of a TV serial was ransacked, cine employees federation has decided to stop producers from shooting there unless they can guarantee workers' safety

DUE to rising expenses and the lack of open space in Mumbai, many TV and film producers are exploring new shooting locations. Naigaon currently tops the list with plenty of television serials and films being shot there.

A still from the TV series Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharamyudh, whose sets were allegedly destroyed by the villagers.

One incident has, however cast a shadow on the location and prompted the Federation of Western India Cine Employees to think of stopping producers from shooting there.

Reason

Recently, the sets of a TV show Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharamyudh were ransacked by angry villagers.

Having received numerous complaints about the safety of workers and the difficulty in travelling to the location owing to the lack of transportation facilities, the Federation has decided to stop producers from shooting in Naigaon if they don't ensure the safety of workers.

Dinesh Chaturvedi, president, Federation of Western India Cine Employees confirmed, "We have been getting a lot of complaints about shooting in Naigaon.

Many fights have taken place on the sets in which local people hit the workers. Such incidents should not happen."

"Why should workers suffer? We want security for them. The shoots get over at 2 am and its difficult to find trains or taxis to travel to the city. How will workers reach home?

If the day starts at 6 am and ends at 9 pm, it is not feasible for workers to travel so much and be present at he shoot so early the next day.

"We understand the producers' problem, but they have to ensure the security of workers. If the studios don't guarantee the safety of workers, we will have to issue a non-cooperation notice.

But, we will give them a month before we do so, " added Chaturvedi.