Robots to soon clear clogged drains in Kovai

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis member Jagadish Hiremani said that robots will be used to remove blocks in underground drainages on trial basis starting January. Jagadish further said that robots were already engaged in cleaning drains in Kumbakonam on an experimental basis. “It was introduced four months ago. And if it turns out to be successful, the idea will be launched in Tirupur too,” he said. 

While, Kumbakonam Municipality bought a robot for Rs 9 lakh; Kerala and Hyderabad were already using robots to clean sewer holes. 

In Tirupur, Jagadish held a meeting with officials of corporation, municipalities, town panchayats unions and various other departments to discuss on the implementation of welfare measures to sanitary workers. He advised officials to ensure that workers wear protective gear like masks, gloves and cap while at work to protect them from contracting any disease. 

“The Commission has taken various efforts to ensure quality education, housing and health care to all sanitary workers and their family members before 2020. The Centre has also been implementing several schemes for the welfare of their families,” he said. 

Jagadish also said that the Centre will recommend the state government in January 2019 to regularise contract workers. Tirupur Corporation Commissioner Siva Kumar said that robots will be engaged for removing clogs under Clean India programme.