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New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC expresses shock over manual drain cleaning, orders CMC to use machines
CUTTACK: Expressing alarm over the practice of manual cleaning of drains by engaging labourers, the Orissa High Court has directed the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to take immediate steps to shift to mechanised process and submit a report by July 31. 'This court expects that the inhuman methodology resorted to would be stopped immediately and efforts shall be made to undertake the drain cleaning activities by deploying technologically advanced drain cleaning machines,' the bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh, which is dealing with PILs on civic issues in Cuttack city, said. The court took note of media reports on how labourers, even minor boys, are engaged in the daunting task of clearance of wastes, deposits and sewage from the storm water channels and big drains in the city. While they enter the drains without proper safety gear or safety measures, no CMC staff is monitoring the operations, thereby endangering the lives of the workers. The bench observed, 'Needless to say, ensuring the health and safety of labourers is crucial for productive outcome. This involves implementing measures to prevent work-related injuries, diseases and hazards. When the labourers are used to clean the big drains manually, it very often leads to hazardous conditions and can lead to injuries or fatalities due to toxic fumes and coming in contact with sharp objects like broken glasses, metals and spikes besides poisonous snakes in the water bodies.' Accordingly, the bench ordered the CMC to finalise a plan of action to streamline the cleaning process of the drains by adopting suitable machines and training of manpower and place it in the court during on the next date on July 7. The bench also directed CMC to make sure there is no violation of the provisions of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in their operations.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
HC directs CMC to stop manual drain cleaning
1 2 Cuttack: Orissa high court has taken sou motu cognisance of a media report highlighting hazardous manual drain cleaning by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) by allegedly engaging minor boys in clear violation of safety norms and child labour laws and directed the immediate halting of "such unsafe and unethical practices". The special bench for PILs concerning civic issues in Cuttack expressed serious concern over the "inhumane methodology" adopted by CMC. The bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh said, "Needless to say, ensuring the health and safety of labourers is crucial for productive outcome. This involves implementing measures to prevent work-related injuries, diseases and hazards." "Manual drain cleaning often leads to hazardous conditions and can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to exposure to toxic fumes, sharp objects and even poisonous snakes," the bench added. The court directed that such manual and dangerous methods of drain cleaning must be discontinued immediately. It emphasised the need to shift to safer and technologically advanced cleaning mechanisms and underscored that no violation of the child labour law would be tolerated. The media report had highlighted an incident where labourers, including minors, were engaged in clearing stormwater drains carrying sewage without any protective gear. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo A labourer was seen balancing on a motor tube and swimming bare-bodied through the main stormwater channel (MSWC-I) from Matru Bhawan to Nua Bazaar, using only a bamboo stick to remove weeds. Minors were also reported to be working along the banks to clear vegetation in what appears to be a violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. In its order dated June 19, the bench instructed CMC to prepare and submit a comprehensive action plan by July 31. The plan must outline strategies to streamline drain cleaning operations, prevent waterlogging, deploy suitable machinery and ensure proper training of workers. The matter will be taken up for further consideration on July 31.
New Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC to monitor installation of vital equipment in SCBMCH
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday decided to monitor progress of installation of MRI and CT scan machines along with other high-end equipment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) here. The division bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh directed the superintendent of SCBMCH to file affidavits regarding status of operation of the MRI machine for neurosurgery department and CT scan machine for the radiodiagnosis department when the matter is taken up next on June 19. The bench also directed the superintendent to file by then an affidavit on status of operation of visual perimeter for ophthalmology department. The court was hearing a PIL on delay in installation of much required equipment in SCBMCH. The bench sought the affidavits after Senior Advocate Bibhu Prasad Tripathy representing the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) informed the Court about status of status of procurement of the equipment. On the basis of written instructions, Tripathy informed that the purchase order for the 3T MRI machine and two Slice CT scan machines was issued on January 29, 2025, and the timeline for supply of the machines to SCBMCH is by end of May.
