Following the recent death of a conservancy worker here while cleaning underground drainage, Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri on Monday urged the public to use machines for cleaning drains and not employ men.
Addressing a meeting to create awareness among the public of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act, Mr. Nanduri said many residents’ associations, hotels and general public employed workers to remove blockages in drains to save money.
Mr. Nanduri said Madurai Corporation had four jet rodding trucks, 16 desilting autorickshaws and suction trucks, which could be hired by the public. “There are also private players providing the service using mechanised equipment,” he said.
The Corporation would soon conduct a meeting with these private players to regularise the price they charged for cleaning sewers.
Mr. Nanduri said, “Many think a case will be registered only when a worker dies. Even engaging a worker for hazardous cleaning is a punishable offence under the Act.” Almost all latrines in the Corporation limits had proper sanitary facilities, and usage of insanitary latrines, where the waste was not properly discharged, would also be considered an offence under the Act.
City Engineer A. Mathuram said, “It is not our intention to monitor every household and organisation to check if they are violating the Act. However, if violations are brought to our notice, a case will be registered,” he said. “If a worker dies while cleaning drainage inside a private property, it is the responsibility of the person or association who engaged the worker to pay the compensation of Rs. 10 lakh,” he said. Mayor (in-charge) K. Thiraviam said the conservancy workers should also refrain from taking up such hazardous cleaning work.
Representatives of residents’ associations highlighted the lack of underground drainage systems in most newly annexed areas because of which they were forced to carry out cleaning work in violation of the Act. They also stressed the need for quick response by the Corporation to undertake maintenance and repair.
Deputy Commissioner S. Shanthi and City Health Officer Yasodha Mani also spoke.
