All human lives are precious, but in practice, some are considered less precious than others. Despite efforts by the courts and governments, law and enforcement have been unable to keep a certain category of workers out of harm’s way: those engaged in cleaning up sewage. While the job itself is dangerous, as are many other human jobs, sewage cleaning involves working with human excreta, and cannot be seen without applying the concept of the dignity of labor. It is a gross violation of rights to assign human beings the task of removing sewage and cleaning sewers when the machines are capable of doing the job. It is in this context that Tamil Nadu’s recent move to notify the rules of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, has to be seen, albeit of late. While manual ‘scavenging’ is outright prohibited, the rules allow manual cleaning in specific circumstances, where mechanical equipment cannot be deployed to correct the problem, or when such procedures are not permitted. Human intervention is necessary by giving valid reasons for this. to take place. But, more importantly, it specifies a long list of protective equipment and gear that must be provided to any person cleaning a sewer or septic tank, including air line breathing equipment, air line respirators Gas mask, air purifier, contains a device for artificial. Respirator, mask and breathing apparatus. In addition, the employer must provide chlorine masks, emergency medical oxygen resuscitator kits, gas monitors for gases, hydraulic equipment and first aid. The list is not limited to the devices that have been mentioned. Routine maintenance of tools and equipment has also been mandated by the rules. Naturally, all workers must be fitted in safety gear before entering the sewer line.
The practice of manual cleaning of septic tanks and sewers has been, and will always be, a serious concern in any country as long as it exists, the pledge of humane treatment to all citizens. While the discussion about the actual number of manual scavenging deaths has dominated, the government-sanctioned deaths from manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks are quite shocking. According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, a total of 971 people lost their lives while cleaning sewers or septic tanks since 1993, the year the law prohibiting the employment of manual scavengers was enacted. Tamil Nadu is among the top states in the list. Since the causes of deaths during sewer and septic tank cleaning are predictable – harmful gases – it would be criminal not to take measures to prevent those deaths. Proper implementation of rules and adequate monitoring is absolutely essential. Also, under the existing schemes, all efforts should be made to provide compensation to the family members of the deceased, and to provide them a way out of the profession if they so desire.