₹10L each to kin of 18 sewermen who died cleaning manholes since 1993
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has retrospectively decided to pay ₹10 lakh compensation each to the sewermen who died while cleaning manholes and blocked sewer lines, Banwari Lal, minister of state for public health engineering said here on Wednesday.
“Since 1993, at least 18 sewermen have lost their lives in such incidents, and ₹10 lakh each would be given to their dependants,” the minister said in a news conference.
He further said that in case of “any fatality” in the future while operating or cleaning manholes and blocked sewer lines, the state government will pay ₹10 lakh compensation to the dependents.
He said an insurance cover would also be provided to sewermen.To prevent such incidents, he said, the department has taken steps, including training and safety measures while entering the manhole. As many as 535 sewermen have been trained so far, he said. “If there is blockage in the sewer, a written permission will have to be obtained from the concerned executive engineer, and the work would be carried out in the presence of a senior officer,” Lal added. The minister said nine super sucker machines were available and arrangements have also been made to outsource these machines.
WATER SUPPLY IN RURAL AREAS
The minister said that the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned ₹722 crore for boosting water supply in rural areas. He said these projects would provide water to 256 villages and 72 dhanis (hamlets). Besides, three other projects costing ₹237 crore have been sent for financial assistance of NABARD, which would provide water to 109 villages and nine dhanis.