New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has reported that approximately 453 individuals have died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks since 2014. This comes despite 732 out of India’s 766 districts declaring themselves free from manual scavenging.
In a written response to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, noted the achievements of the states. "As of July 31, 2024, 732 districts out of 766 in the country have declared themselves as free from manual scavenging," Athawale stated. This declaration is part of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, which aims to eliminate manual scavenging practices.
Under the Act, engaging anyone in manual scavenging is prohibited, and violations can result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. The legislation defines hazardous cleaning and manual scavenging to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
Despite these regulations, Athawale reported that 453 deaths have occurred during sewer and septic tank cleaning since 2014. In response, the government has allocated ₹371 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission to eradicate manual scavenging. These funds will be used to acquire advanced machinery and improve mechanization in smaller villages to reduce reliance on manual labor and ensure safer working conditions.
Athawale highlighted the progress made, with states improving their mechanization capabilities. More than 5,000 standard septic tank vehicles, 1,100 Hydrovac machines, and 1,000 desilting machines have been introduced. Additionally, advisories have been issued for providing safety gear to workers, establishing helplines for emergency desludging, and conducting awareness campaigns on the issue.
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