NHRC seeks report from TN govt after 3 SC workers die while cleaning sewerage tank

Hyderabad: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the death of three workers due to asphyxiation during sewage tank cleaning at a private dyeing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district.

Workers Collapsed Inside the Tank

The incident occurred on May 19, 2025, in the Karaipudur area of Tiruppur. According to reports, four workers employed at a dyeing mill were asked to clean a sewage tank. Soon after entering the confined space, all four began to suffocate due to toxic fumes and collapsed. Co-workers managed to pull them out and rush them to a private hospital. Three of the workers were declared dead, and one remains in critical condition.

All the deceased belonged to the Scheduled Caste, as reported in the media on 21 May.

NHRC Issues Notices, Calls for Detailed Report

Taking note of the incident, NHRC observed that if the reports are accurate, the matter raises serious concerns of human rights violations. The Commission issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, directing them to submit a detailed report within four weeks. The report is expected to include the current status of the investigation and any compensation provided to the families of the victims.

Reference to Supreme Court Ruling

The NHRC cited the Supreme Court judgment in Dr. Balram Singh vs Union of India (WP(C) No. 324 of 2020) dated 20 October 2023. The court had affirmed the duty of local authorities to employ modern, safe, and non-manual methods for cleaning sewage systems.

Advisory on Hazardous Cleaning

The Commission reiterated its longstanding position against hazardous manual cleaning practices. In its 24 September 2021 Advisory titled Protection of Human Rights of the Persons Engaged in Hazardous Cleaning, the NHRC urged Union and State Governments and local bodies to phase out manual cleaning entirely, adopt mechanized alternatives, and provide adequate protective equipment to all sanitation workers.

“The use of untrained individuals for such high-risk tasks without protective gear reflects grave negligence,” the Commission noted in its statement.

Ongoing Investigation

The Tamil Nadu government is now under pressure to expedite the investigation, ensure accountability, and provide support to the affected families. As of now, no official statement has been issued by local authorities regarding arrests or charges filed in connection with the case.

The incident adds to the growing list of fatalities resulting from unsafe manual scavenging practices, despite repeated court orders and policy advisories aimed at their eradication.