The Hindu 04.01.2012
Manual cleaning of drains, sceptic tanks prohibited
Government order lays down use of necessary equipment
Manual cleaning and removal of obstructions in underground drainage and sceptic tanks in both government and private buildings has been prohibited as per a government order issued recently, said M. S. Shanmugham, Collector, here on Monday.
Stern action would be taken against those who use men to clean drainages and sceptic tanks in the district under Section 14 of the Employment of Manual Scavenging and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act 1993, the Collector told presspersons. "Cleaning should be done using necessary equipment. Thanjavur Municipality has procured a Jet-rodding machine for the purpose," he said.
However, the government order permitted manual scavenging in four places where those to be used for cleaning should wear masks.
The four areas are where damaged lids on the manholes fall and obstruct the drainage, removal of obstruction in sewer lines connecting defective motors at treatment plant. "Government order aimed at preventing death due to suffocation and other dangers during cleaning,", the Collector pointed out.
He said owners of hotels, marriage halls, lodges, hospitals and industries have been directed to construct a diaphragm chamber within 15 days of receiving notice from the municipality. Diaphragm chamber is to clean the sewage water before entering the underground drainage.
"Awareness campaign is on within Thanjavur, Pattukottai and Kumbakonam Municipalities limits. Municipal Commissioners have been instructed to get undertakings from those who maintain underground drainages and take up sceptic tanks cleaning that they would use only machinery hereafter," said the Collector. S.Shanthi, Regional Director, Municipal Administration, was present.
