Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya on Thursday said 202 cases of manual scavenging were found in Bangalore city.
Speaking to presspersons here, Mr. Anjaneya said a survey on manual scavenging was taken up by the department based on a Union government directive.
The survey found 302 cases of manual scavenging, of which 202 were in Bangalore city, 87 in Kolar Gold Fields, seven in Doddaballapur, four in Srinivasapura and two in Gangavathi.
More than 10,000 persons were involved in manual scavenging across the State. The government’s priority was to put an end to this inhuman practice as early as possible. It was ready to give them land or money to start their own business or buy vehicles, he said.
Mr. Anjaneya said the government had released funds to all urban local bodies to buy machines to clean manholes and they had been warned against engaging people to clean drains and manholes. However, local bodies had outsourced cleaning work to contractors, who flouted these regulations. The government was contemplating holding contractors responsible in case of any mishaps.
Recently, five pourakarmikas had died of asphyxiation while cleaning a clogged manhole, the Minister added.
