Mumbai: Contractor Accused of Sending Sanitation Worker Into Manhole Without Safety Gear in Vasai-Virar
Vasai-Virar, 4th August 2026: A contractor engaged by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has come under scrutiny after a sanitation worker was allegedly made to enter an underground manhole without adequate safety equipment, raising serious concerns over violations of laws prohibiting manual sewer cleaning.
The incident reportedly took place during the cleaning of the city’s underground sewer network. According to reports, workers were sent into the manhole with minimal or no protective gear, despite the state’s Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge initiative, which strictly prohibits manual entry into sewers and septic tanks except under exceptional circumstances with prescribed safety measures.
The incident has sparked criticism from citizens and activists, who have demanded strict action against the contractor for allegedly endangering the lives of sanitation workers. They argued that forcing workers into hazardous underground sewers without proper protection exposes them to toxic gases and other life-threatening risks.
Crores Spent on Mechanised Cleaning
The controversy has also raised questions over the use of expensive mechanised cleaning equipment purchased by the civic body.
Three years ago, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation spent approximately ₹3.40 crore under the 15th Finance Commission funds to procure seven suction-cum-jetting vehicles for sewer cleaning. In addition, the civic body invested around ₹1.20 crore in three Bandicoot robotic machines, designed to clean manholes without requiring human entry.
Despite these investments, reports suggest that manual cleaning continues in some areas, indicating that the advanced machinery is either underutilised or not being deployed effectively.
Serious Health Risks
Experts have repeatedly warned that underground sewer chambers contain poisonous gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide, which can cause suffocation, unconsciousness, or even death. Entering such confined spaces without proper safety equipment, gas detection devices, and rescue mechanisms poses a severe risk to sanitation workers.
Citizens have questioned why workers continue to be exposed to such hazardous conditions despite the availability of mechanised alternatives.
Civic Body Responds
Following complaints regarding the incident, Jitendra Naik, Assistant Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department, Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, said that the matter has been taken seriously.
“A complaint was received regarding sanitation workers being made to enter underground manholes for cleaning. A notice has been issued immediately to the contractor concerned,” Naik said.
The civic administration is expected to examine whether safety protocols were violated and determine appropriate action against the contractor if lapses are established.
