Action Plan Ready to Eradicate Manual Scavenging: Union Min Gehlot

Thawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

(Photo: PTI)

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot on Monday, 19 August said, “The Central government has prepared a detailed action plan, that includes modernising the sewerage system and facilitate mechanical cleaning, to prevent human entry into sewers and septic tanks.”

Speaking at a national workshop-cum-exhibition on sustainable sanitation, Gehlot said that the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Housing and Urban Affairs, Rural Development and Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation have prepared the action plan.

“The action plan envisages identification of appropriate technological interventions in the field of mechanised cleaning so as to eliminate manual entry into sewers and septic tanks.”

Thawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

"Swachh Bharat is indeed the first step towards Swasth Bharat," said Gehlot.

Union Minister for Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri said that his ministry has made efforts to devise systems, processes and technologies for mechanical cleaning of sewer and septic tanks.

Gehlot said that through National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation, the formal integration of these workers is being done through disbursement of grants, provision of loans and livelihood training programmes.

The day-long interaction among stakeholders is expected to provide a comprehensive road map to ensure sustainable sanitation in urban areas.

States and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will take these insights into their respective areas to strengthen their strategy for achieving safe, sustainable and holistic sanitation.