More than 30 sewer, septic tank deaths reported so far in 2026; compensation paid in nine cases: NCSK
The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis reports that over 30 people have died cleaning sewers and septic tanks in India so far in 2026. Despite a legal ban on manual scavenging, the practice persists due to poor ventilation and a lack of protective equipment.
Why it matters
It highlights a persistent human rights and occupational safety crisis in India, where systemic failures continue to result in preventable fatalities.
More than 30 sewer, septic tank deaths reported so far in 2026; compensation paid in nine cases: NCSK The Commission's data showed that Haryana reported the highest number of deaths so far in 2026 at eight, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with six each left Representational image only. File The Hindu The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/f82u1t/article68937648.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/IMG-20241112-WA0004.jpg SPECIAL ARRAGEMENT Coimbatore Tamil Nadu 12/11/2024: A man was found engaged in manual scavenging without protective gear, raising safety concerns in Coimbatore on Monday, in Sanganoor. Photo: Special arrangement. New Delhi As many as 31 people have died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks so far in 2026, with compensation fully paid in nine cases, according to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK). The Commission's data showed that Haryana reported the highest number of deaths so far in 2026 at eight, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with six each.
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