MC Chandigarh organises Training and Workshop for Safaimitras

MCC dedicated to the Welfare and Safety of its employees

Chandigarh, July 6:- With the aim of equipping sanitation workers with crucial safety knowledge and skills under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh conducted a day-long training and workshop for its SafaiMitras today at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan, Sector-38, Chandigarh.

Mr. Gaurav, a safety professional, briefed the sewermen on SafaiMitra Suraksha, emphasizing the importance of safety and welfare in their line of work. Around 252 participants benefited from the program, including 222 sewer men staff and 30 officials comprising JEs, SDOs, Xens, and SEs from the public health department. This initiative empowers sanitation workers with the necessary tools to prioritize safety in their daily operations, fostering a healthier and more secure work environment.

This program addressed essential areas to safeguard their well-being while on the job. The workshop covered a wide range of topics including:

- Legal Compliance: Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
- Safety Protocols: Behavior Based Safety Management, Emergency Preparedness, Confined Spaces Training, Electrical Safety
- Fire Safety: Fire Fighting for First Responders, Fire Prevention and Protection, Fire Safety & Rescue Techniques
- Health and Wellness: First Aid, Stress Management at the Workplace, Ergonomic Safety
- Risk Management: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA), Quantitative Risk Assessment, Accident Investigation and Analysis
- Workplace Safety: Safety Awareness, Process Safety Management, Safety Audit, Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

MC Chandigarh remains committed to implementing innovative initiatives and adopting advanced technologies to improve the welfare and safety of its sewer men. The training and workshop represent a significant step forward in this ongoing endeavor.

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, MC Chandigarh, said that since 2016, MC Chandigarh has taken significant steps to eliminate manual cleaning of sewer pipes, adhering to regulatory mandates. The implementation of cutting-edge technology, including Bandicoot sewer cleaning robots, de-silting grabbing machines, de-silting suction machines, sewer inspection cameras, power rodding machines, and sewer root-cutting equipment, aims to eradicate the need for manual waste cleaning and management, ensuring the safety and well-being of the sewer men.

She further said that the Municipal Corporation has made significant progress towards a Clean and Green Chandigarh. With the cooperation of the citizens, the city has moved from the 66th position in Swachh Survekshan 2021 to the 11th position in Swachh Survekshan 2023. The city was also honored with the 'SafaiMitra Surakshit' title by Her Excellency, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu.

MC Commissioner emphasized that this initiative is a testament to MC Chandigarh's unwavering commitment towards the welfare and progressive development of its SafaiMitras that will propel the city towards even greater heights.

The Public Health Department plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the community through its endeavors. From efficient water treatment to meticulous handling of sewerage and stormwater drainage systems, the department's dedication to excellence has transformed visions into reality, making Chandigarh a beacon of progress.