Delhi CM flags off 200 sewer machines to end manual cleaning

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NEW DELHI: Delhi Government aimed at reducing manual scavenging in the city and in lieu of that Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi launched a fleet of 200 sewer cleaning machines on February 28.

Kejriwal at an event organised by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said that Delhi is the first State in the country to roll-out such machines to put an end to the practice of manual cleaning of sewers.

The launch of sewage cleaning machines, the board will ensure cleaning of sewage in narrow lanes in the city with its help, said Anil Kumar Singh, CEO of DJB. The machines are equipped with necessary equipment ensuring hydraulic, jetting, grabbing and roding work. It can ensure cleaning the manholes of 30 feet deep and can clean the sewerage and bring the silt, slug and other waste out to a trolley, Singh said.

Sanitation workers engaged in manual scavenging currently and those from the Scheduled Caste communities. The 200 sewer cleaning machines launched would be handed over to family members of those who have died while cleaning drains or septic tanks.

The Delhi government will assist the beneficiaries in securing loans for the machines. The first set of 50 machines were handed over to the beneficiaries, government officials said.

Rajender Pal Gautam, SC/ST Welfare Minister said that the government was committed to upliftment of the community. The machines will enable cleaning up to 30 feet underground, with sewerage and silt being brought out with a trolley.