Only machines, skilled sanitation workers now to clean sewer in Gzb

Ghaziabad: Following the death of five labourers at a sewer in Sihani gate area of Ghaziabad, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to only use machines and skilled sanitation workers for sewer cleaning.

The tragic sewer death incident which took place on August 22 in Nandgram area under Sihani police station jurisdiction of Ghaziabad highlighted that those labourers who died in the incident were construction labourers and were not skilled for sanitation related works. The labourers were also not provided with safety gears and other equipments needed to enter into the sewer. Police have already registered two separate FIRs against the private firm engaged for the construction work at sewer line. Taking congnigance into the matter, the GMC will now use machineries for sewer cleaning.

"The tragic incident highlighted sheer negligence as the workers were not trained for sanitation related works also they were not provided with safety equipments. The GMC will use suction machines for such cleaning operations. A proper inspection will be done of the site while the work will be undertaken in the supervision of an expert or official," said a senior GMC official.

The officer further said that skilled labour will only be tasked for the work.

"At the time of cleaning a sewer, there comes a requirement for blocking the water supply inside the sewer which can only be done manually. We will make sure that such a work will be carried out by skilled and trained sanitation workers," the officer added.

Meanwhile, the GMC will also outsource the maintenance and operation of its 1,930 km long sewer network to a Chennai Based private agency. The company, VA Tech Wabag Limited, will also be responsible for operating sewage treatment plants under GMC.

GMC officials said that they will also focus on curbing discharge of untreated sewage into rivers.