The practice of cleaning sewers and septic tanks by sending people inside continues to be a serious and inhumane problem in Gujarat, despite being prohibited by law. According to the report, 73 sanitation workers have lost their lives in the state over the last 10 years while carrying out sewer or septic tank cleaning work.
The report states that Gujarat ranks fifth in the country in terms of deaths of sanitation workers involved in such hazardous cleaning work. Even after these tragic incidents, the report claims that not a single affected family has received financial assistance of even one rupee from the state government for rehabilitation.
According to government report, these deaths occurred during sewer and septic tank cleaning operations over the past decade. The issue remains a major concern because workers continue to enter confined spaces where they are exposed to poisonous gases and unsafe conditions.
The report also notes that although the employment of people for manual sewer cleaning is prohibited under the law, implementation remains weak. The absence of adequate mechanized cleaning systems forces workers to undertake dangerous tasks, putting their lives at risk.
As per records, between 2013 and 2018, 105 families across Gujarat were identified as being affected by this practice. However, despite rehabilitation provisions, from 2020–21 to 2024–25 the state reportedly did not spend any amount for their rehabilitation. The central government had allocated funds of approximately ₹34.5 lakh for rehabilitation-related purposes, but according to the article, the state government did not utilize this amount.
The report says that 28 complaints related to manual sewer cleaning have been received from Gujarat, but the affected families are still waiting for meaningful rehabilitation and support. It adds that the National Human Rights Commission has also expressed concern over the issue, pointing out that many affected families have not received the benefits they are entitled to.
Overall, this data highlights that although laws exist to ban manual sewer cleaning and protect sanitation workers, fatal accidents continue to occur, rehabilitation measures remain inadequate, and the families of deceased workers are still awaiting proper assistance and justice.
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