Bengaluru an IT capital, but sewage still cleared by hand!

Although Bengaluru has progressed well, its infrastructure has always remained questionable - be it roads, power or sanitation. 

 

However, the fact that some people are still made to enter a sewage manhole or storm water drain to physically clear blocks while immersed in human excrement is little less than a heinous crime.

 

In less than three months, two cases of the banned practice of manual scavenging have been reported across the city. This raises questions about Bengaluru as a brand and its role as one of the most developed cities in India.

 

A person was employed to a clear septic tank at MG Road in Cubbon Park, in November 2016. And recently three labourers were seen cleaning another septic tank at an apartment complex in Bengaluru North. 

Following a complaint, the Karnataka Safai Karmachari Commission Chairperson sent notices to police and civic agencies to explain why they failed to prevent such an inhuman act.

 

"These cases were recorded, and the concerned authorities were summoned to give an explanation about why they failed to check these issues. If it can happen in a city like Bengaluru, it can happen anywhere," said T Narasimha Murthy, a social activist.

People's Union for Civil Liberties President, Rajendran, says that such acts of involving humans cleaning manholes are a crime. The Supreme Court has given a verdict to punish people who make poor people clean septic tanks, but no one follows it, he lamented. 

"A strong punishment for people who force poor persons to clean manholes is the only way to check such practices," he said. 

 

"It is sorrowful to see the IT capital's infrastructure like roads, solid waste management and its sanitation going for a toss. The worst is that on one end we have IT professionals and on the other end, poor people are made to get into a septic tank. It is a reflection of the failure of the system," said V Ravichander, Urban Expert.

 

The activists say, when ever such incidents are reported, the concerned authority should be held responsible, and in this case, BWSSB Chairman should be responsible. 

 

"In the case of MG Road, where a worker was employed to clean septic, I hold BWSSB Chairman responsible as he should have ensured that jetting machines are used to remove blockages," said Narasimha Murthy.

 

None of the BWSSB officials were available for comment.