Sanitation workers clean drains without safety gear

Lucknow: Sanitation workers were found cleaning drains and sewers without adequate safety gear in several parts of the city during a ground reality check conducted by TOI in Narhi, Hazratganj, Sadar and Aminabad.

The observations were made despite the 2013 law banning hazardous manual sewer cleaning and mandating safety equipment for workers.

At Narhi, sanitation workers employed by a private contractor engaged by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) were seen manually cleaning a sewer line. One worker entered an open manhole and lifted sludge-filled buckets while another assisted from above. Large piles of sewage waste were seen beside the drain. No protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gumboots or safety harnesses was visible.

Similar scenes were observed in Hazratganj, Sadar and Aminabad, where workers manually removed sludge and waste from drains using buckets and basic tools without mechanised equipment.

In Sadar Bazaar, workers were seen cleaning drains near heaps of mixed garbage, including plastic and household waste. Though some workers wore reflective jackets, they were not seen using gloves, masks or other protective equipment while handling waste.

At Aminabad, workers carried out drain cleaning work on a busy roadside market stretch amid moving traffic and pedestrians. Open manholes and dug-up roads were visible during the cleaning operation.

Residents also complained about irregular cleaning and garbage accumulation near drains.

A resident, Harman Iftekhar said workers were cleaning drains with bare hands and without gloves or safety equipment. “When asked, they said the company had not provided any safety gear,” he said.

Shiza Rafeeq, who runs a medical store in the area, said irregular cleaning leads to waste accumulation and foul smell near drains.

Owner of a kebab-paratha shop near an open drain, Shadab said complaints had been submitted to LMC but no effective action was taken.

Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said no sanitation worker is permitted to enter sewer lines without safety equipment. “We will take action if any contractor or firm is allowing this practice,” he said.