Sewers in Delhi have become killing fields for Safai Karamcharis.
Never mind that the law bans the entry of workers into manholes – except in cases of emergency, and not without proper safety gear.
Ten sanitation workers died inside sewers in a span of five weeks, from July 15 to August 20. One died at Lok Nayak Hospital, two at Funcity Mall, three at Lajpat Nagar, and four at Ghitorni – all while clearing manholes.
The latest victim of the sewers is Rishi Pal, father of three. Rishi and three other workers –Sumit, Bishan and Kiran – were called to clean the sewers at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital on August 20, Sunday. They were sent inside the manhole without any safety gear.
A hospital, supposed to meticulously follow safety procedures, is careless and callous when it comes to providing basic necessary gear to protect workers.
Courtesy: Newsclick.in