Four people tragically lost their lives in Bihar’s Saharsa district after being asphyxiated while cleaning a septic tank. The incident occurred on Monday evening in Mahisarho village, within the Mahishi police station area. The victims were identified as Kailash Choudhary, the owner of the house, and three laborers named Asharfi Shah, Sushil Kumar, and Shambhu Shah.
Kailash Choudhary, who was also involved in construction work, voluntarily descended into the septic tank to assist the laborers during the cleaning process.
Such incidents are a harsh reminder of the dangers associated with manual scavenging and the urgent need to address this issue. Manual scavenging, which involves cleaning septic tanks and sewers without proper safety equipment, continues to claim innocent lives, despite being explicitly banned in India.
The unfortunate incident in Bihar underscores the pressing need to implement stricter regulations and take effective measures to eradicate this hazardous practice once and for all. Manual scavenging not only poses significant health risks but also deprives individuals of their basic human rights and dignity.
Authorities must ensure the strict enforcement of existing laws against manual scavenging and take proactive steps to provide alternative employment options for those engaged in these dangerous activities. Additionally, it is essential to raise awareness about the dangers associated with septic tank cleaning and provide training and resources to promote safer practices.
The safety and well-being of individuals should be a top priority, and it is crucial to tackle this issue holistically. Adequate investment in sanitation infrastructure, along with the promotion of mechanized cleaning methods, can significantly reduce the dependence on manual scavenging and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Furthermore, the government, civil society organizations, and communities must work collaboratively to address the social stigma and discrimination faced by those engaged in manual scavenging. Providing support services and rehabilitation programs for affected individuals can help break the cycle of exploitation and ensure a more equitable and inclusive society.
It is disheartening to see such incidents still occurring in the 21st century, and they serve as a wake-up call for immediate action. The lives lost in this tragedy should not be in vain but should compel us to redouble our efforts to eradicate manual scavenging, ensure the safety of those involved in sanitation work, and create a society where every individual can live with dignity and respect.
