Delhi, as the monsoon season approaches, hundreds of sanitation workers are engaged in the arduous task of desilting stormwater drains.
Despite the hazardous nature of their work, many of these workers operate without basic protective gear, raising serious concerns about their safety and the enforcement of laws prohibiting manual scavenging. The desilting process, essential to prevent urban flooding during heavy rains, involves removing accumulated silt, debris, and waste from the city’s extensive drainage network. However, the conditions under which these workers operate are far from safe. Reports indicate that many are compelled to enter clogged drains barefoot and without gloves, exposing themselves to toxic substances and sharp objects.
This practice persists despite the Supreme Court’s directive earlier this year, which banned manual scavenging and manual sewer cleaning in six major metropolitan cities, including Delhi. The court emphasized the need for mechanization in sewer and drain cleaning operations to safeguard workers’ health and dignity. Activists and rights groups argue that the current desilting operations, though classified as stormwater drain cleaning, effectively constitute manual scavenging due to the presence of sewage and hazardous waste in these drains. They highlight the legal and ethical implications of exposing workers to such conditions, calling for immediate action to enforce existing laws and implement safer, mechanized cleaning methods.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic bodies have been urged to expedite the adoption of advanced sewer cleaning machines. The Public Works Department (PWD) has announced plans to deploy high-tech equipment across the city, aiming to reduce reliance on manual labor for drain cleaning. However, the pace of implementation remains a concern, with many workers still resorting to manual methods due to the unavailability of machines. The situation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to urban sanitation that prioritizes worker safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with legal standards. As Delhi braces for the monsoon, the plight of these sanitation workers serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving equitable and humane urban development.
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