Bhopal: Chairman of National Commission for Safai Karmcharis, Manhar Jhala during his field visit to see condition of sanitation workers (safai karmchari) in Bhopal observed that sanitation workers- responsible for making the state capital stand at number two in India in cleanliness index (Swachh Bharat Ranking)- are living in the most unhygienic, unhealthy and dirty dwellings.
“I was seriously hurt after seeing pathetic dwelling condition of the people who were responsible for making the state capital number two in cleanliness,” Jhala told Free Press. He said that he had received several complaints that sanitation workers living in these dwellings for decades are now being told to vacate their houses in pressure of local people.
Jhala visited to Vikas Nagar and Nehru Nagar malin bastis (sanitation worker colony) and was irked at seeing dilapidated houses, dirty over flowing drains, open gutters and bad roads in the slums. He was accompanied by BMC and district administration officials.
“Their houses should be repaired and maintained and they should not be told to dislocate from the places as they have been living there for several long years. I have also come across complaints that people from the administration are threatening them to vacate their houses,” said Jhala.
“Yahan se niklo nahi to goli maar denge. This is the language used by the district officials to get the houses evacuated from sanitary workers. This is unacceptable and administration should look into it and take appropriate action,” said Jhala.
Chairman of the commission asked BMC commissioner where the funds meant for housing of sanitation workers went. He also demanded clarification for unhygienic environment in their areas. Jhala said that he felt ashamed after hearing a complaint which said that lower officials of the BMC extort money from safai karmcharis. Such officers should be terminated from service, he added.
