Gurugram: The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) organised a special training programme to ensure the safety of sanitation workers engaged in sewer and drain cleaning operations. The programme was conducted in strict accordance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMSRA) Act, 2013, with a strong focus on safe sewer cleaning practices and mandatory safety standards.
For the training, MCG invited Gaurav Kalia from Prakash Consultancy, an authorised safety professionals training agency empanelled with the Urban Local Bodies Department and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). During the session, detailed guidance was provided on safe methods of sewer and drain cleaning. A hands-on demonstration and practical training were conducted on the correct use of safety equipment required during such operations.
Sanitation workers were trained in the use of gas detectors, safety harnesses, oxygen support systems, helmets, gloves and other essential personal protective equipment (PPE). The objective was to ensure that all workers are well-equipped with practical knowledge to minimise risks and prevent accidents while working in hazardous conditions.
The training programme was inaugurated by Chief Engineer Vijay Dhaka, who emphasised the importance of safety measures, precautions and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during sewer cleaning activities. He urged sanitation workers to take the training seriously and ensure mandatory use of safety equipment while working in the field. He also informed that all sanitation workers of MCG will be trained in a phased manner through monthly batches.
It is noteworthy that MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya had recently issued strict instructions for complete compliance with the PEMSRA Act, 2013, and SOPs issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and CPHEEO. As per these directives, manual scavenging and entry into sewers without safety equipment are strictly prohibited.
Sewer entry is permitted only in extreme emergency situations and that too exclusively by trained sewer entry professionals, with full compliance to prescribed safety protocols.
Rakesh Valmiki, President of the city’s sanitation workers, appreciated MCG’s initiative and appealed to all sewer workers to strictly follow safety norms during duty. He said the initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding the lives, dignity and rights of sanitation workers while ensuring legal compliance.