IE : Conservancy are exposed to sub,human working conditions, says HC : Sept 27, 2007
Taking serious note of the plight of BMC conservancy workers, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the additional municipal commissioner (Conservancy) to file a comprehensive affidavit “after personally paying attention to the problems highlighted (in a PIL) and satisfy himself about the safety gears provided to such workers.”
The court, while observing that “conservancy workers are exposed to sub-human working conditions”, also asked the AMC to mention medical facilities available in case they (the workers) met with an acci
dent or contracted a disease. Social activist Keval Semlani, whose letter to the court was converted into a PIL, told the court that in 2007, there were 12 deaths per month and in 2004 and 2005 there were 24 deaths a month.
When BMC stated that the workers had insurance schemes in case of death, the court said the corporation should prevent their death. BMC counsel K K Singhvi contended that the deaths were due to alcoholism to which Justice Patel remarked: “Then you are not taking care of them,”
Justice Patel also asked the BMC to make use of modern technology and equipment instead of sending
humanfieings inside manholes. The court also asked the corporation to update: the 1978 operating manual settingstandards for the workers.
Semalni told the court that they had a CD “which shows how human beings are treated like animals.”
In January 2007, the court had asked a committee to monitor the working conditions of and safeguards provided to solid waste management workers. The committee had pointed out several deficiencies.
In June, the court had directed the corporation to meet the recommendations made by the committee. However, the court observed that even today the workers had to work manually. During the hearing
on July 18, the MCGM had informed the court that theywere taking the required safety measures for the conservancyworkers. Chief Engineer, Sewerage Operations, B R Mohole had submitted that the MCGM was clearing the nine inches to 18 inches chokes in the drains mechanically since 1979.
“Machines are generally used for cleaning manholes too, and if the labourer has to get into the manhole for cleaning; he is provided with safety materials like uniform, woollen and rubber hand gloves, raincoat, overcoat, gumboots and safety boots. Also, they are not allowed to remain inside for more than an hour,” the affidavit stated.