Mira Bhayander : MBMC Warns Legal Action Against Manual Scavenging Practices
Mumbai:In a significant move, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has issued a public notice warning housing societies, commercial, and educational complexes of strict legal action if found engaging in manual scavenging, a banned practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. The law mandates imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, for offenders.
Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar emphasized the need for mechanized methods to clear clogged pipes, manholes, and sewer systems. MBMC has added new suction-cum-jetting machines to its fleet for this purpose. In cases where machinery cannot access the site, societies and complexes are urged to hire private contractors who must use trained laborers with proper protective equipment. Contractors are also required to provide compensation and rehabilitation in case of accidents.
This initiative aims to ensure safety, dignity, and legal protection for those involved in sewer cleaning, preventing incidents like asphyxiation deaths due to hazardous manual work. The government has also launched rehabilitation schemes for affected workers.
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