T.N. stands third in country in deaths while cleaning sewer and septic tanks: Athawale
Minister Ramdas Athawale reported that Tamil Nadu ranks third in India for deaths occurring during the manual cleaning of sewer and septic tanks. Over the last five years, 332 such deaths have been recorded nationwide, prompting calls for more effective safety measures.
Why it matters
The data highlights a persistent and fatal human rights issue regarding sanitation labor and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Tamil Nadu recorded 38 septic tank/sewer cleaning deaths, the third highest in India in the last five years, said Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale in Parliament on Tuesday.
Mr. Athawale was responding to the question of Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar, who sought State-wise details of the number of deaths reported while cleaning sewer lines and septic tanks over the past five years, and details of the agencies or officials who engaged people for manual cleaning work.
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