Delhi, a 43-year-old man lost his life, and another sustained serious injuries while cleaning a sewer in the New Friends Colony area. The victims, identified as brothers Panth Lal Chandra and Ramkishan Chandra from Chhattisgarh, were reportedly working inside a manhole when they suddenly lost consciousness. A third worker, Shiv Das, was rescued safely.
Initial investigations by the Delhi Police revealed that the workers were not equipped with any protective gear or necessary equipment during the sewer cleaning operation. This lack of safety measures tragically resulted in Panth Lal Chandra’s death, while his brother Ramkishan remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The incident came to light when a Police Control Room (PCR) call was received around 5:45 pm, reporting that workers engaged by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had fallen into a manhole. Upon reaching the scene, emergency responders found the three men trapped and unconscious. They were promptly extricated by firefighters and transported to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma center, where Panth was declared dead.
In response to the incident, the DJB issued a statement asserting that the three individuals were neither regular staff nor contractual employees of the Board. The statement noted that an inspection of the site revealed no ongoing sewer cleaning work authorized by the DJB. Consequently, a letter was sent to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the New Friends Colony police station, requesting necessary action and a copy of any First Information Report (FIR) registered.
However, the police have indicated that the DJB’s letter alone is insufficient to confirm the victims’ employment status. The matter remains under investigation, with authorities examining all possible angles to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing hazards faced by sanitation workers in Delhi. Despite regulations prohibiting hazardous cleaning without safety gear, manual scavenging persists, often without adequate protective measures. Workers frequently report injuries and face wage deductions for medical treatments, highlighting systemic issues within the sanitation sector.
Historically, Delhi has witnessed numerous fatalities among sewer and septic tank workers. Between 2017 and 2019, multiple incidents were documented where workers lost their lives due to asphyxiation from toxic gases while cleaning sewers without proper safety equipment. Investigations revealed that many of these workers were not provided with necessary protective gear and were often employed on an informal basis without adequate training.
The recurrence of such tragedies has sparked discussions about the enforcement of safety protocols and the accountability of agencies overseeing sanitation work. Advocacy groups have consistently called for stricter implementation of laws banning manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning practices. They emphasize the need for mechanization of sewer cleaning processes and the provision of proper safety equipment to all sanitation workers to prevent further loss of life.
In light of the recent incident, it is imperative for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the employment arrangements of the victims and the responsibilities of any contractors involved. Ensuring that all entities comply with safety regulations and that workers are adequately trained and equipped is crucial to safeguarding the lives of those who perform these essential yet perilous tasks.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus must remain on implementing systemic changes that prioritize the health and safety of sanitation workers. This includes enforcing existing laws, introducing technological solutions to reduce manual intervention, and fostering a culture that values and protects the workforce responsible for maintaining urban sanitation infrastructure.
The tragic loss of Panth Lal Chandra serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the sanitation sector. By addressing the root causes of such incidents and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, Delhi can move towards a future where no worker’s life is endangered in the line of duty.
