Govt to intensify sensitisation programme against manual cleaning of sewers in 2020

The social justice department will intensify in 2020 its ongoing sensitisation programme on the need for mechanising the "hazardous job of cleaning manholes and septic tanks".

Rules bar manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks except in some specific cases.

Official sources said so far 468 civic bodies in various states have been covered under the programme and "we plan to intensify it in 2020".

The civic agencies are asked to fully utilise the loan scheme available under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) for procurement and operation of sanitation-related machines.

The scheme, under which a maximum of Rs 50 lakh loan is given, was launched on October 2, 2014.

Quoting a survey report, officials said more than 400 workers have died in the country since 2013 while manually cleaning manholes, septic tanks and other sanitary-related hazardous areas.

"Machines fitted vehicles are available costing Rs 4-5 lakh which can enter even narrow lanes to do the cleaning job and the civic bodies can fully utilise loan scheme available to them," one of the officials said.

Social justice and empowerment ministry economic advisor Yogita Swaroop, who is monitoring the scheme, said death of workers involved in such hazardous profession can be prevented if the agencies concerned strictly follow rules and regulations.

The civic bodies should utilise funds under SUY to modernise their equipment and prevent manual cleaning of manholes, she said.

Under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules, 2013, manual cleaning of sewers/septic tanks is totally banned even if the persons have protective gear and safety devices except for cases such as the removal of concrete or FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) or damaged manhole door where mechanical equipments cannot be put into operation; for inter-linking the newly laid sewer main with the existing sewer main.

Officials said even if written permission is granted in exceptional circumstances for manual cleaning, the rules specify that the worker should wear safety gear, carry protective equipment including oxygen supply, an ambulance should be kept in standby to handle emergencies, the manhole/septic tank covers should be opened three hours before the actual commencement of the cleaning job to drive out poisonous gas/smell, and at least three persons should assist the worker who enters the manhole for cleaning.

In case of unfortunate death of such worker it is mandatory for the state government concerned to provide a minimum ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to his family. Besides, the police have to file an FIR and prosecute those responsible for his death, the rules state.