Manual Scavenging
Robots to replace human scavengers to clean clogged sewers in Prayagraj
There is some good news for human scavengers. In a first for the region, smart robots will soon begin cleaning clogged sewers and the project will begin from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj
 "Robots to replace human scavengers to clean clogged sewers in Prayagraj")
400 died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks since 2017: Centre
As many as 400 people have died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks since 2017, the government said on Tuesday. Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said no death has been reported due to engaging in manual scavenging. "However, 233 persons have died due to accidents while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic tanks during the last three years and current year," he said in a written response. He gave data of number of such deaths recorded since 2017. According to the data, 48 such deaths were recorded in 2022, 49 in 2021, 19 in 2020, 117 in 2019, 67 in 2018 and 100 in 2017.
 "400 died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks since 2017: Centre")
NHRC issues notice over death of four while cleaning sewage tank in Haryana
The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of a report that four persons died after inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning the sewer tank in Haryana's Faridabad district
 "NHRC issues notice over death of four while cleaning sewage tank in Haryana")
NCSC seeks action against AAP MLA for engaging people in manual scavenging
The Aam Aadmi Party leader and Uttam Nagar MLA had recently shared four pictures of drain and sewage cleaning as part of monsoon preparedness on Twitter.
IIT Madras develops robot to clean septic tanks without human intervention
Named HomoSEP, ten units are planned to be deployed across Tamil Nadu and the researchers are in touch with sanitation workers to identify the locations, officials said.
 "IIT Madras develops robot to clean septic tanks without human intervention")
No death reported due to engaging in manual scavenging: Govt
He said 325 people have died due to accidents while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic tanks during the last five years
Maha govt liable to ensure end of manual scavenging in state: Bombay HC
The Bombay High Court on Friday said the Maharashtra government has the responsibility and liability to ensure that the shameful practice of manual scavenging is not carried out anywhere in the state.
Over 66,000 manual scavengers identified across country: Govt
As many as 66,692 manual scavengers, including 37,379 in Uttar Pradesh, have been identified across the country
 "Over 66,000 manual scavengers identified across country: Govt")
2 die, 4 unwell after cleaning septic tank at Delhi factory; owner held
Police said during an enquiry, it surfaced that the factory, Delhi Chain Company, at GTK Road industrial area, stored chemicals, used for making ornaments, and water in the tank
Anand Mahindra joins other investors to back robotics start-up Genrobotics
Kerala-based enterprise has been working to eradicate manual scavenging, raises Rs 2.5 cr in pre Series A round
 "Anand Mahindra joins other investors to back robotics start-up Genrobotics")
At least 631 people died cleaning sewers, septic tanks in last 10 yrs: NCSK
A total of 631 people have died in the country while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in the last 10 years, the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) said
Govt looks to tighten law on manual scavenging with longer jail term
Currently, engaging any person for hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by any person or agency is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine up of to Rs 5 lakh or both
5 years of Swachh Bharat: More toilets but no end to manual scavenging
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the ambitious Clean India programme, popularly known as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, on October 2, 2014. How successful has it been? What targets did it miss?
 "5 years of Swachh Bharat: More toilets but no end to manual scavenging")
Manual scavenging inhumane, people sent to gas chambers to die: SC
Apex court comes down hard on Centre, asks why no protective gear, oxygen cylinders to manual scavengers
Sanitation workers say Modi has failed them, demand dignity & better jobs
The community has launched a hashtag #StopKillingUs on Twitter and demanded government help workers find jobs that give them dignity
An end to manual scavenging: Sewer-cleaning robot introduced in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu minister Kadambur Raju inaugurated the operation of the robot
Bezwada Wilson's journey to ensure a life of equality for manual scavengers
He is no caped superhero, but award-winning activist Bezwada Wilson continues to fight the good fight for the rights of manual scavengers
 "Bezwada Wilson's journey to ensure a life of equality for manual scavengers")
Inside lethal manholes, workers caught in legal, biological, chemical trap
With so many known risks, and possibly more unknown ones, drainage work ought to be completely mechanised - as a law enacted in 2013 also insists
Engineers using robots to dismantle practice of manual scavenging in India
Following its success, Kerala has asked GenRobotics for 50 more robots to be deployed across the state
 "Engineers using robots to dismantle practice of manual scavenging in India")
Meet Bandicoot, a robot that's on a mission to eradicate manual scavenging
Bandicoot is on a safai mission in India. Here's his story
 "Meet Bandicoot, a robot that's on a mission to eradicate manual scavenging")
