Gurugram: In a major step toward eliminating manual scavenging and ensuring safer sewer management, the Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) has constituted a Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA) and an Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU).
The initiative aims to completely stop manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks while promoting a modern, mechanised sanitation system in the city.
The orders for the formation of these bodies have been issued by Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya. The move is intended to prevent the construction and maintenance of insanitary toilets, eliminate risks faced by sanitation workers during sewer cleaning, and ensure that such work is carried out through machines and advanced technology.
Under the new framework, the Responsible Sanitation Authority will monitor and manage the sewer cleaning system across the city. The Chief Engineer of MCG will serve as the chairperson, while the Executive Engineer (Headquarters) will act as the member secretary. Other members include executive engineers, assistant engineers, junior engineers, and the Chief Medical Officer.
The authority will be responsible for arranging modern sewer cleaning machines, monitoring regulations related to sewer entry, and registering as well as regulating private sanitation service providers.
Sewer Entry Permit Mandatory
MCG has made it clear that no person will be allowed to enter a sewer or septic tank without a mandatory “Sewer Entry Permit.” If any institution, contractor, or individual deploys a worker into a sewer without proper safety equipment and authorization, strict legal action will be taken against them.
Emergency Sanitation Unit for Rapid Response
To handle emergencies such as sewer blockages, overflows, or accidents, the newly formed Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) will function similar to a fire brigade for sewer-related issues. The unit will respond immediately to any emergency situation in the city.
The executive engineer of the concerned division will act as the nodal officer, while the assistant engineer will serve as the assistant nodal officer. A quick response team of 10–12 trained sewer entry professionals equipped with PPE kits and safety gear will be deployed. A dedicated control room with a 24-hour helpline will also be set up to monitor complaints and coordinate emergency responses.
Focus on Mechanised Sewer Cleaning
MCG has emphasized the mandatory use of modern machinery such as suction machines, jetting machines, and other mechanised equipment for sewer cleaning. The civic body will ensure the procurement, operation, and maintenance of these machines so that manual entry into sewers can be avoided.
Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya stated that under the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013,” manual scavenging and unsafe sewer entry are punishable offences. Violations may lead to legal action, fines, blacklisting of contractors, and registration of FIRs against those responsible.