India saw 294 sewer deaths in 2020-2024, government tells Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: Govt has told Rajya Sabha that there were 294 sewer-related deaths in five years, between 2020 and 2024, across the country, and full compensation has been released to the kins of 249 victims. The housing and urban affairs ministry has said the remaining 45 cases of sewer and septic tank related deaths are due for payment of compensation.

"National Commission for Safai Karamcharis follows up with state/ UTs officials for expediting payment of compensation. There is no fixed timeline for compensation, however, as per SC judgment dated Oct 20, 2023, enhanced amount of compensation amounting to Rs 30 lakh has to be paid to legal heirs of the deceased who have not been compensated till Oct 19, 2023," the ministry said. TNN