Coimbatore Corporation warns against manual scavenging
In a training course on safe cleaning practices for underground drains and septic tanks conducted by the Corporation on Tuesday, Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran warned against manual scavenging in the city.
During the session, it was emphasised that sanitation workers are prohibited from manually entering cesspools for cleaning, as mandated by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. To ensure safety, machinery must replace manual labour for sewage cleaning, with mandatory insurance for workers. Personal protective equipment, including re ective clothing, eye protection, headgear, gloves, and masks, are provided and must be worn at all times during work.
“Sewage truck owners are instructed to exclusively respond to public calls via the toll-free number 14420 for sewage-related services. Direct contact from the public should be redirected to the ocial number for documentation purposes, including caller details,” Mr. Prabhakaran
said.
Further, all sewage disposal vehicle owners have been instructed to possess a toxic gas measuring device and discharge sewage only after gas elimination. Disposal into water bodies or open spaces is prohibited, with strict adherence to transport regulations, limiting discharge to authorised treatment plants. Entry into manholes is strictly restricted to specied circumstances outlined in the ordinance.
During the meeting, the Commissioner highlighted the legal ramications for violations, including imprisonment and nes.