After two workers died while cleaning a sewer in Greater Faridabad, Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has sought reports from the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Faridabad, and the Commissioner of Police, Faridabad.
Replies have also been sought from the Chief Executive Officer, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad.
Complainant Kamal Anand, a resident of Sangrur, has sought the intervention of the HHRC regarding the deaths of two workers during sewer cleaning work in Greater Faridabad. He cited The Tribune’s report on the incident in his complaint.
He has alleged that the incident occurred because manual scavenging was being carried out without adequate safety equipment, in violation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the directions of the Supreme Court.
HHRC member Deep Bhatia, who heard the case on May 13, has sought reports from the concerned authorities before the next date of hearing, which is July 8.
In this case, the complainant is seeking stern action against officials and compensation for the bereaved families.
As per The Tribune story, ‘2 workers die while cleaning sewer in Haryana’s Faridabad’, dated May 3, Rajendra and Sunil, both residents of Kheri Kalan village, had entered a manhole to carry out cleaning work in front of Puri Pranam Society in Greater Faridabad on May 2. They were working without any safety equipment. When the duo failed to return home, their families launched a search on May 4 morning. They found the workers’ bicycle and motorcycle abandoned near the manhole.
Rajendra and Sunil died of asphyxia caused by gases trapped inside the sewer.
As per The Tribune report, the police had registered a case against the estate manager of BPTP, the builder, on a complaint from Sunil’s brother.
Complainant Kamal Anand submitted before Human Rights Commission that despite the stringent ban on manual scavenging, workers continue to be pushed into these “death traps” without any safety gear or mechanised equipment.
“The failure to provide proper gadgets and protective oxygen masks to workers cleaning sewerage is a direct contravention of the law,” he said.
He added, “Furthermore, it defies the directions issued in Sewerage Workers Common Forum v. Union of India, where the state is mandated to ensure zero human intervention in sewer cleaning.” He demanded a high-level probe into the incident to identify those responsible for the negligence.
