Rajasthan: Two sanitation workers, including a minor, die from suffocation
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Synopsis
A tragic incident in Khedli, Rajasthan, resulted in the deaths of two sanitation workers, including a minor, due to suffocation while cleaning a sewer line. The incident has raised concerns about the illegal practice of manual sewer cleaning.
Key Takeaways
- Two workers died from suffocation while cleaning a sewer line.
- One of the deceased was a minor.
- Families demanded compensation and jobs.
- Manual sewer cleaning is illegal under current law.
- Strict penalties exist for violations.
Jaipur, April 19 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking incident, two sanitation workers, one of whom was a minor, succumbed to suffocation on Saturday in Khedli town, situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Their deaths occurred while they were attempting to clean a sewer line at a paper mill in Navkar Vatika.
An official named the victims as Lacchi (50), son of Mangtu, and Hemraj (13), also known as Akash, son of Sagar Valmiki.
According to reports, both individuals entered the sewer line for cleaning purposes. When Lacchi did not emerge for an extended period, Hemraj descended to investigate and subsequently lost consciousness as well.
“They were eventually extracted and rushed to the district hospital, where medical professionals pronounced them dead,” the official stated.
Upon learning of the tragedy, Khedli Police Station Officer Dhirendra Gurjar arrived on the scene. Family members of the deceased, along with members of the Valmiki community, gathered at the hospital.
Nagar Palika Vice Chairman Sandesh Khandelwal, Councillor Murarilal Sharma, and Business Committee President Pramod Bansal also visited the grieving families at the hospital.
In response to the situation, family members and local residents organized a protest, blocking the Hindon Gate in Khedli after their requests for financial compensation and a government job for a family member were not fulfilled.
It is important to note that manual sewer cleaning is illegal under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. This legislation prohibits any individual from manually cleaning sewer lines and outlines responsibilities for employers of those involved in sewer cleaning.
The Act and its associated regulations strictly forbid manual entry into sewer lines and manholes for cleaning tasks.
The law requires the use of safety equipment, regular gas assessments, and monitoring of workers during sewer cleaning activities.
Violations of this Act are cognizable and non-bailable, imposing severe penalties for breaches of its provisions.
IANS
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