Septic Tanks or Gas Chambers: Analysing the Menace & Its Mitigation

Abstract

The more things change, the more they remain the same. This statement resonates well with our times. Even as India soars towards ever-greater glory in fields as diverse as international relationships, economic prowess and space technology, we are yet to shake off some of the most de-humanising and high-risk practices of the past. Manual scavenging is one such profession that continues to live on in present day India. While there exists no clarity on the number of manual scavengers presently in India and the deaths caused due to unsafe working practices is likely to be highly under-reported, even the under-reported numbers paint a stark picture – 1 death in every 30 hours. India lost more citizens to septic tanks and sewers than to terrorist attacks in period 2010 – 2017.

The best solution to this is of course, use of machines rather than humans for sewer cleaning activities. However, since it will be some time before 100% mechanisation of sewer cleaning occurs in India, this paper presents 3 key principles and 7 key work practices that, if followed, can result in significantly lower fatalities in the course of sewer and septic-tank cleaning works. In making these recommendations, the authors rely on their significant hands-on experience as practicing Health & Safety consultants with ERM, one of the world’s largest sustainability consulting organisations.