The New Indian Express  29.07.2010

HC seeks report on removal of manual scavenging

The CMWS&SB managing director had earlier been appointed by the court as the chairman of a special committee to study the issue. The HC has now asked him to hold a meeting in the first week of August and submit a preliminary report.

The First Bench comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam gave the direction while passing orders on an application arising out of a contempt petition from A Narayanan, trustee of Sevaman Trust in Virugambakkam, on July 22.

Earlier on August 5, 2009, the bench had passed an order on a public interest writ petition from Narayanan.

The bench had constituted a special committee for providing suggestions and recommendations to improve the drainage system and maintain the overall environment in metropolitan cities and towns in the State.

The CMWS&SB in its report had submitted that entry of sanitary workers into the manholes in the sewerage systems had been stopped and machineries had been utilised for maintaining the sewerage system.

However, Narayanan, who was also a member of the committee, alleged that the committee members and the chairman were not taking the issue seriously. No concrete decisions had so far been taken.

“Considering the seriousness of the matter, we think it proper that this bench should monitor the further course of action and the steps that may be taken by the authorities responsible to remove the old system,” the bench observed and gave the direction.