Kolkata Sewer Tragedy: Three Lives Lost in a Systemic Failure

Kolkata - A horrifying tragedy unfolded at Kolkata’s Bantala Leather Complex as three workers lost their lives while cleaning a sewage line. The victims, aged between 26 and 60, descended into a 10-foot-deep manhole without protective gear, only to be overcome by toxic fumes. This heartbreaking incident raises urgent questions about the safety of sanitation workers and the enforcement of laws meant to protect them.  

What makes this incident even more shocking is its timing—occurring just days after a Supreme Court directive banned manual scavenging and unsafe sewer cleaning in metropolitan cities. The ruling was intended to end the dangerous and inhumane practice of sending workers into hazardous drains without adequate protection. However, the Bantala tragedy highlights the glaring gap between legal mandates and ground realities.  

Despite laws in place, manual scavenging remains a grim reality in India, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Contractors and authorities often overlook safety protocols, risking workers' lives for the sake of quick, cost-cutting solutions. The arrest of the contractor in this case signals some accountability, but is it enough?