Manual scavenging: Two arrested

Manual scavenging: Two arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore May 4, 2012 : Two persons have been arrested by Pandeshwar police on Thursday, May 3, 2012 in connection with the manual cleaning of manholes near Lady Goschen hospital on Wednesday.

The arrested are Sanjay Mishra (38) and Ravindra Kumar Mishra (36), hailing from Bihar, maintaining Sulab Souchalay near Lady Goschen hospital.

The duo had used the services of two local labourers after the manhole in the vicinity was blocked. The police have booked the duo on charges of violating Manual Scavenging and Construction of Dry Latrine (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and have been produced before the court.

Meanwhile, the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) too has decided to file police complaints with regard to the instances of violation of the Manual Scavenging Prohibition Act in the City limits, with private individuals making workers to get into the manholes to clean it up.

Responding to the reports of the media, MCC Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar said that action will be taken as per the Act. Private individuals making workers get into manholes belonging to the City Corporation is a clear violation of the Act, cleaning of the manhole is being taken up by the MCC using machines and any complaints with regard to chocking of manhole etc will have to be brought to the notice of the MCC itself said Harish.

He also said “Individuals have no right to get the manhole cleaned by employing labourers, it is a punishable offence and criminal cases can be booked against the guilty.”