OHRC takes cognisance of ‘Drain of Shame’ report, seeks govt reply by October

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report exposing the plight of sanitation workers in Bhubaneswar and directed key government departments to submit reports on the issue by October 17, 2025.

The case stems from a complaint filed by social activist Biswapriya Kanungo, citing a report in The Indian Express titled “Drain of Shame” (Bhubaneswar edition, August 17, 2025). The report highlighted how sanitation workers, including women and even children, are forced to clean drains manually under hazardous conditions.

In a specific instance, Purnima Sethy, a sanitation worker in Old Town, was seen collecting bottles, glass shards and sludge from an open drain, while her son stood barefoot in knee-deep waste water, removing sludge with his bare hands. Such practices reportedly take place every year before the monsoon.

The complainants alleged that sanitation workers, mostly from the SC community, are being made to work without protective gear, in violation of constitutional and statutory safeguards. They also flagged the poor implementation of the state government’s ‘Garima’ scheme meant for the dignity and safety of sanitation workers, and non-enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

Acknowledging the complaint’s public importance, the OHRC directed that copies of the petition and press clipping be sent to the Housing & Urban Development Department, Labour & ESI Department, and the SC & ST Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department. These departments have been asked to file their responses addressing the issues raised.

The matter will be heard again on October 17, 2025, pending receipt of the government’s reports.