In this article, we will discuss Effects of Manual Scavenging. So, let’s get started.
Effects of Manual Scavenging
- Social Discrimination: Most manual scavengers are stigmatised by the community due to the nature of their job.
- They are regarded as untouchable and they are forced to accept their condition.
- This problem is much deeper as their children are also discriminated against and forced to occupy the same work as their parents.
- Caste Based Inequalities: The caste is still regarded as a lower class and is excluded from moving to a better occupation.
- As a result, the scavenging work is seen as part of their natural occupation.
- Also, the marginal caste from rural areas moving to urban areas to seek a better livelihood always end up in the same occupation.
- Health-Related Problems: The scavengers are exposed to gases such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane. Long exposure to these gases may lead to serious health diseases or even death.
- They are also exposed to various infections in the sewer, which is also common due to the numerous bacteria residing in the sewers.
- As per the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) database, 608 manual scavengers have died between 2013 and 2017 while cleaning septic tanks.
