The Hindu 28.12.2010
Corpn. move to discourage manual disposal of sewage
Coimbatore: Owners of flats, cinemas, wedding halls, hospitals, lodges, restaurants and schools beware. The next time you clean sewage on your premises, ensure that nobody enters the sewage tank and that the cleaning is done only with machines. Or, face the risk of being penalised for using manual labour for this purpose.
The Coimbatore Corporation has recently acquired machines to clean such tanks. These establishments can contact the respective Corporation zone officials to use these machines. Even contractors can be engaged, provided they use machines and not men. The equipment has been made available round-the-clock, said Commissioner Anshul Mishra at a press meet in the city on Monday.
“The idea of asking people to use machines to clean sewage is to ensure that humans are prevented from entering sewage tanks and manholes. For, there is always the possibility of poisonous gas from the tanks asphyxiating or even endangering the cleaners' lives,” he said.
The Corporation's decision follows a State Government order consequent to a direction from the Madras High Court.
The civic body proposes to meet owners of educational institutions and commercial establishments to stress the importance of mechanised cleaning of sewerage.
It would also to urge them to construct diaphragm chambers to prevent solid waste from entering into the underground drainage system in the city.
The civic body has identified 750 establishments which will have to construct these chambers. Mr. Mishra said they could take around 15 days to complete the construction. In case of doubt, the services of the Corporation officers could be availed of.
The Corporation has planned a meeting on its premises at 5 p.m. on Tuesday as well as a two-day awareness programme.
Phone number of Assistant Commissioner:
East – 94437- 99207
West – 94437 – 99206
North – 94437 – 99208
South – 94437 - 9921111
