Gurgaon: MCG on Thursday issued strict directions prohibiting manual entry into sewers and mandating the use of machines and modern equipment for all sewer and sewerage-related work.MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said sewer cleaning and maintenance work must be carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards, and no work would be permitted if it posed a risk to human life. He said manual entry into sewers has been placed in the prohibited category and would be allowed only in exceptional circumstances, subject to strict safety protocols.As per the guidelines, the use of mechanical equipment has been made mandatory for cleaning sewers and septic tanks. In cases where manual entry becomes unavoidable, workers must be provided with gas detectors, oxygen support systems, safety harnesses, helmets, gloves, and other protective gear.The directives also require contractors and agencies to ensure regular safety training for sanitation workers, including training to identify toxic gases and handling emergency situations. Provision of first-aid facilities and emergency rescue arrangements at worksites has been made mandatory.MCG further directed contractors to provide sanitation workers with social security benefits, insurance coverage, regular health check-ups, and a dignified working environment. Officials said strict action will be taken against any agency found violating the safety norms.“The mandatory checklists prescribed in the SOPs shall be complied with during every sewer and drain cleaning activity, including but not limited to use of prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits; compliance with pre-entry safety precautions, only in the extreme circumstances as allowed by norms with due permission and signed checklist from the competent officer at the field (JE concerned)… Manual scavenging in any form is strictly prohibited, and its prevention shall be ensured at all levels without any kind of exception,” read the order issued by the commissioner.Dahiya said the civic body conducts regular training programmes for sewer workers and that a special training session will be organised on Jan 30 to familiarise them with safe work procedures, proper use of equipment, and emergency response measures.Officials added that safety equipment and protective gear have already been distributed to sanitation workers and that the measures are aimed at preventing sewer-related accidents and safeguarding the lives and dignity of the workers.
