DC Preeti Orders Strict Monitoring of Sewer Cleaning

Cleaning Must Be Done with Machines

Kaithal, August 18: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti emphasized that all sewer and septic tank cleaning must be carried out using machines to prevent any risk to human life. She directed that no worker should be sent inside sewers under any circumstances. In case of an emergency, cleaning should only be done with full safety equipment and in compliance with government guidelines.

Directions to Departments

The DC issued these instructions during a meeting with officials at the video conference hall of the Mini Secretariat. Earlier, Public Health Department Commissioner Mohammad Shayin had given necessary guidelines to all Deputy Commissioners through video conferencing.

Timely Compensation for Workers

DC Preeti stated that if any unfortunate incident occurs during sewer cleaning and results in a worker’s death, compensation to the family must not be delayed. Any delay will be considered the responsibility of the concerned department. FIR reports related to such incidents must be sent to headquarters within a week to ensure timely compensation.

Data and Monitoring Measures

Departments were instructed to regularly update sewer-related data on the Namaste Portal. Nodal officers must ensure timely completion of e-KYC for Ayushman Bharat cards. Sewer cleaning vehicles should be registered, and the Response Sanitation Authority (RSA) Committee must be formed at the district level, with the DC as in-charge and officials from Public Health, Urban Local Bodies, and HSVP as members.

Rural and Urban Coordination

For rural areas, coordination should be maintained between the District Development and Panchayat Officer, CEO of Zila Parishad, and the Public Health Department. Reports of sewer cleaning work and data updates must be ensured. Only authorized agencies should be allowed to perform sewer cleaning, and strict action must be taken against unauthorized ones.

Current Status

According to the Public Health Department, no compensation cases are pending at present.

Officials Present

The meeting was attended by Superintendent Engineer A.K. Gill, Executive Engineer Vikas Balyan, and other concerned officers.