In a significant step towards upholding the dignity and safety of sanitation workers, Shri Devendra Singh Dhapola, Special Monitor of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), conducted a comprehensive review of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) initiatives on Monday.
The review focused on the strict implementation of the Advisory on protection of rights of persons engaged in manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning. During his visit, the Special Monitor interacted with sanitary workers involved in sewer and septic tank cleaning at the Garima Griha located near the High Level Tank close to Rajeev Bhawan.
Senior BMC officials briefed the NHRC team on the proactive measures being taken. Protective equipment and modern machinery have been made mandatory, with regular orientation programmes ensuring workers are trained in their proper use. Continuous monitoring by Urban Local Body officials has strengthened compliance on the ground. To promote self-reliance, BMC has also facilitated bank linkages for machinery in consultation with the Housing & Urban Development Department, encouraging entrepreneurship among the workers.
Dhapola specially appreciated the dedication of the Transgender Self-Help Group (TG SHG) managing cesspool operations. He underlined that both the Union and State Governments, along with local authorities, are duty-bound to enforce the law rigorously. “To eradicate this dehumanising practice, the Act mandates proper protective safety equipment, worker-friendly machinery, and clear accountability of hiring agencies,” he stated.
The team also discussed the effectiveness of the NAMASTE and Garima schemes in safeguarding the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. A live demonstration of mechanical cleaning equipment was conducted by the workers, allowing the monitor to assess ground-level processes. The NHRC team expressed satisfaction with the Garima Griha facility provided by the State Government.
Present during the review were Suvendu Kumar Sahu, Additional Commissioner, BMC; Mamata Rani Nayak, Joint Secretary to Government; N. Ganesh Babu, Deputy Commissioner (Sanitation), BMC; Rasmita Patel, Team Lead – Garima; the District Labour Officer; General Manager, WATCO; and other senior officers.
BMC reiterated its unwavering commitment to prioritising the health, livelihood, social security and dignity of sanitation workers, ensuring that hazardous manual cleaning becomes a practice of the past.
