HC directs CMC to stop manual drain cleaning
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Cuttack: Orissa high court has taken sou motu cognisance of a media report highlighting hazardous manual drain cleaning by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) by allegedly engaging minor boys in clear violation of safety norms and child labour laws and directed the immediate halting of "such unsafe and unethical practices".
The special bench for PILs concerning civic issues in Cuttack expressed serious concern over the "inhumane methodology" adopted by CMC. The bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh said, "Needless to say, ensuring the health and safety of labourers is crucial for productive outcome. This involves implementing measures to prevent work-related injuries, diseases and hazards."
"Manual drain cleaning often leads to hazardous conditions and can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to exposure to toxic fumes, sharp objects and even poisonous snakes," the bench added.
The court directed that such manual and dangerous methods of drain cleaning must be discontinued immediately. It emphasised the need to shift to safer and technologically advanced cleaning mechanisms and underscored that no violation of the child labour law would be tolerated.
The media report had highlighted an incident where labourers, including minors, were engaged in clearing stormwater drains carrying sewage without any protective gear.
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A labourer was seen balancing on a motor tube and swimming bare-bodied through the main stormwater channel (MSWC-I) from Matru Bhawan to Nua Bazaar, using only a bamboo stick to remove weeds. Minors were also reported to be working along the banks to clear vegetation in what appears to be a violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
In its order dated June 19, the bench instructed CMC to prepare and submit a comprehensive action plan by July 31. The plan must outline strategies to streamline drain cleaning operations, prevent waterlogging, deploy suitable machinery and ensure proper training of workers. The matter will be taken up for further consideration on July 31.
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