Delhi Government Set To Fully Mechanise Sewer Cleaning

After losing yet another life to manual scavenging, the 10th in just 35 days, the authorities in Delhi have decided to fully mechanise the cleaning of sewers and drains. The landmark decision comes after the lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung convened a high-level meeting regarding this issue.

Jung described deaths caused while cleaning sewers as “unacceptable”. A three-member committee comprising the DJB CEO, the SDMC commissioner and the NDMC chairperson was formed and told to prepare a standard operation procedure (SOP) for cleaning of drains mechanically, within 7 days. This SOP will not only be applicable to government agencies but also to private contractors. Jung also asked the police to take stringent action against contractors violating the rules.

“A list of authorised persons trained and working as manual scavengers will be prepared. A telephone number would be made available for people requiring to hire their services”, the TOI reported quoting Water Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam

Various departments will also be undertaking an extensive advertising campaign warn people against the ‘harmful impact on the health of manual scavengers as well as the illegality committed by concerned contractors in allowing them to enter drains without protection.’ “The contractors must provide gas masks, safety harness belts, helmets and mechanised equipment as legally mandated for the hazardous work of cleaning underground sewers,” The Hindu quoting a senior official reported.

This meeting was attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain, Water Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Chief Secretary, Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council, all three municipal commissioners, CEO of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and several other departmental representatives.

After two weeks, the heads of agencies will study and submit a detailed plan of action for migrating to mechanised cleaning of sewers.

If you liked this article, we suggest you read:

How Delhi’s Tree Ambulances Are Keeping The City Green

Delhi, Invest In These Plants If You Want To Breathe Cleaner Air

Delhi’s Going Seriously Green With Their New Plastic Ban