The Supreme Court expressed shock after seeing photos showing manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning being done at its own Gate F, and has directed the Public Works Department to submit a detailed reply on the matter.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court acknowledged photographs depicting manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning occurring at one of its gates.
A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia (retired) and Aravind Kumar in an order dated August 6, stated,
“We are also constrained to observe that photographs have been shown to us that the manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning is being done at gate F of this court as well. Let the concerned officer of the Public Works Department (PWD) file a reply to the above applications,”
The court was addressing applications submitted in a public interest litigation concerning the issue of manual scavenging.
In its ruling, the bench included the East Delhi Municipal Corporation as a party-respondent and instructed the corporation to respond to the applications, clarifying why manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning continue to be carried out using manual labor, thereby endangering the lives of these workers without adequate protective gear, as evidenced by the photographs included in the plea.
Scheduling the next hearing for September 10, the bench stated,
“It is made clear that if satisfactory reply is not received on the next date, we will have no option but to direct the registration of an FIR against such officer(s) who are exposing the workers to the risk of their lives,”
In a ruling delivered in October 2023, the Supreme Court noted that manual scavengers have endured bondage, trapped in inhumane conditions for an extended period.
The court urged both the central and state governments to completely eliminate manual scavenging across the nation.
It issued several directives, including the requirement for the central and state governments to provide Rs 30 lakh in compensation to the families of those who die while cleaning sewers.
Manual sewer cleaning refers to the practice of cleaning sewers and drains by hand, typically involving workers who physically enter sewers to remove blockages, debris, and waste. This process is often done with basic tools like shovels, rods, and brushes.
It is considered an outdated and hazardous method, often associated with manual scavenging, which is the practice of cleaning human waste by hand.
- Cost-Effective (Short-Term): In some cases, manual sewer cleaning may be cheaper in the short run compared to implementing machinery or automated systems.
- Access to Narrow Spaces: Manual cleaning can be useful in hard-to-reach areas where machinery cannot fit, ensuring all parts of the sewer system are cleaned.
- Immediate Action: In emergencies, manual cleaning can be done quickly without waiting for specialized equipment or technology.
Problems of Manual Sewer Cleaning:
- Health Risks: Manual sewer cleaning exposes workers to serious health hazards like infections, toxic gases, and physical injuries.
- Inhumane Working Conditions: It often involves degrading and unsafe conditions for workers, violating their dignity and rights.
- Limited Efficiency: It is time-consuming and inefficient compared to mechanical methods, which can cover larger areas in less time.
- Environmental Concerns: The use of manual labor can result in improper disposal of waste, which can negatively impact the environment.
- Legal and Ethical Issues: Many countries have outlawed manual scavenging due to its exploitative nature and violation of human rights.
- Lack of Sustainability: This method is not sustainable and does not contribute to long-term solutions for sewer maintenance.
Case Title: Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India & Ors
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