A workshop to sensitise residents’ associations, hotels, lodges, marriage halls, hospitals, private sullage and septic tank cleaners and sanitary workers to the provisions of the Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 was conducted by Thoothukudi Corporation here on Monday.
Corporation Mayor A.P.R. Anthony Grace presided over the workshop. Commissioner R. Poongodi Arumaikan, while addressing the gathering, said advanced machinery could be used to the maximum to clear drains. When it was not possible in rare cases, labourers could be used with the provision of special safety protective gears such as respirator-attached face masks, gloves, gum boots and reflector jackets.
The Commissioner also explained construction designs of septic tanks which accorded priority to safety. The need for vent pipe in septic tank construction and use of diaphragm chamber were also stressed by her.
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City Health Officer Pradeep V. Krishnakumar said two-year imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 2 lakh or both could be imposed on the first-time offender engaging manual scavengers. Five-year imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 5 lakh or both could be awarded for regular offenders, he added.
Earlier, the participants took a pledge that they would not engage manual scavengers. Corporation Executive Engineer (Planning) S.M. Rakkappan was also present.