12 people died desilting septic tanks last year: Delhi govt
What's the story
In Delhi, 12 people died last year while cleaning septic tanks while no such death has been reported so far in 2018, the Delhi government informed the Legislative Assembly.
Five incidents where 12 people died while cleaning septic tanks were reported in 2017-18. None of the deceased were employees of municipal corporations or other civic bodies, said Urban Development Minister Satyendra Jain.
Here's more.
Survey
Vigilance committees have been formed for survey of manual scavengers
Under Section 29(3) of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, district level vigilance committees have been formed for the survey of manual scavengers, Jain said.
Further, Delhi Jal Board is preparing a standard operating procedure in this regard.
Notifications have been issued for forming state-level monitoring committee and vigilance committees in the 11 districts by Urban Development department.
Quote
Urban Development Minister Satyendra Jain's reply in Legislative Assembly
"Various agencies including the Public Works Department (PWD), New Delhi Municipal Council, and the three municipal corporations employ machines for desilting septic tanks," Minister Satyendra Jain said.
Details
Municipal corporations deployed machines for desilting septic tanks: Jain
The DJB has prepared Septage Management Regulation, 2018, for ensuring mechanized desilting of septic tanks.
The Regulation after approval of the Delhi cabinet will be tabled in the House before implementation.
The Minister further said the desilting of drains under East Delhi Municipal Corporation is carried out through machines.
The Public Works Department (PWD) ensures requisite precautions during cleaning of drains.