Karnataka HC slams manual scavenging, seeks complete mechanisation of STP cleaning

In a critical hearing held at the Karnataka High Court, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding an end to manual scavenging and the use of human labour for cleaning sewage treatment plants (STPs) was taken up by the division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice K. S. Rao and Justice CM Joshi.

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Advocate Maitreyi Krishnan, appearing for the petitioners, argued that despite Supreme Court directives prohibiting manual scavenging, the practice continues unabated in the state. She highlighted that recently, two workers lost their lives while cleaning an STP, emphasizing the ongoing human rights violations despite the existence of laws and guidelines meant to protect workers from such hazardous duties.

The bench questioned the role of the Pollution Control Board in regulating STPs and whether they have taken concrete steps to enforce mechanised cleaning. The court expressed its displeasure at the fact that machines are often avoided due to cost concerns, resulting in the exploitation and death of labourers.

“Cleaning STPs must be done entirely through mechanised methods, and human lives cannot be risked in the name of cost-cutting,” the bench stated. The court also directed that if any specific violations are alleged, the government should respond appropriately to those claims.

On behalf of the state, the government’s counsel assured that guidelines are currently being formulated to ensure full compliance with the law and that manual scavenging would be phased out completely.

The High Court has given the government one month to submit its objections and further action plan regarding the petition. The hearing has been adjourned for the next session.