Manual scavenging reported in Belur

At a time when the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis is stressing on the civic workers to compulsorily use machines and other equipment for cleaning manholes, a pourakarmika was found cleaning a manhole at Nehru Nagar in Belur on Wednesday.

The civic worker was cleaning a manhole without any protective gear. Belur is the nativeplace of M R Venkatesh, former chairman of State Safai Karmachari Commission.

Hassan Pourakarmika Welfare Association honorary president Hethuru Nagaraj saida complaint would be lodged with the deputy commissioner and the Commission, against the officials, he said. However, Town Municipal Council officer Manjunath said that he had not directed anyone to get into the manhole. He added that he would visit the spot and take suitable action.