Tragic Death: Man Falls into Sewer While Cleaning in Delhi

Tragic Incident in Delhi Highlights Ongoing Manual Scavenging Crisis

A tragic incident in Delhi’s Ashok Vihar Phase-II has once again brought to light the persistent issue of manual scavenging in India. Late on Tuesday night, a 40-year-old man lost his life, and three others were critically injured after they fell into an open sewer while performing cleaning duties. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by workers in this hazardous profession, despite legal prohibitions against manual scavenging.

Details of the Incident

According to Deputy Police Commissioner Bhisham Singh, the incident occurred around 11:30 PM near Harihar Apartments, where sewer cleaning operations were underway. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, transporting the four men to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital. Tragically, one of the workers, identified as Arvind from Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, was pronounced dead upon arrival. The other three individuals-Sonu and Narayana, also from Kasganj, and Naresh from Bihar-were admitted to the intensive care unit, where their conditions remain critical.

Legal and Institutional Response

In the wake of this incident, police have initiated an investigation, questioning the manager of the construction company responsible for the sewer cleaning. Authorities are also working to identify the civic agency that contracted the work. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence and endangering life, as well as under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act of 2013.

This law was enacted to eliminate the practice of manual scavenging, which has been a longstanding issue in India. Despite the legal framework, incidents like this continue to occur, raising questions about enforcement and accountability.

Historical Context of Manual Scavenging in India

The practice of manual scavenging has deep historical roots in India, often linked to caste-based discrimination. The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act of 1993 was one of the first legislative efforts aimed at eradicating this practice. However, the problem persists, with many workers still engaged in hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

In a recent report presented to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian government acknowledged that there have been approximately 294 sewer-related deaths across the country between 2020 and 2024. This statistic highlights the ongoing risks faced by those in this line of work, despite the existence of laws designed to protect them.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The Supreme Court of India has also taken a proactive stance on this issue. In January 2023, the court reiterated its commitment to eradicating manual sewer cleaning. Following a directive issued in October 2022, the court sought assurances from municipal authorities in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, regarding the complete cessation of manual scavenging practices. The court mandated that municipal commissioners file affidavits detailing how and when manual scavenging would be phased out.

The Broader Implications

The recent incident in Ashok Vihar is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of systemic issues within India’s labor and public health sectors. The reliance on manual scavenging is often attributed to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of mechanized solutions for sewer cleaning. Many workers are compelled to take on these dangerous jobs due to economic necessity, often with little choice or recourse.

The ongoing deaths and injuries among manual scavengers raise critical questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and the responsibilities of both government and private entities. The need for comprehensive reforms is evident, including better training, safety measures, and the implementation of mechanized cleaning technologies.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Arvind and the injuries sustained by his colleagues serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of manual scavenging in India. Despite legislative efforts and judicial oversight, the practice continues to claim lives, highlighting the gaps in enforcement and accountability. As the nation grapples with this persistent challenge, it is imperative for authorities to take decisive action to protect vulnerable workers and ensure that such tragedies do not recur. The time for change is long overdue, and the lives of countless individuals depend on it.