The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all states the immediately implement the Supreme Court’s 14 directives to eliminate the practice of manual cleaning of hazardous waste. In view of the continued practice of manual cleaning of hazardous waste, the Commission wrote to all the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of States and Union Territories, asking them to ensure the immediate implementation of the directives issued by the apex court in its landmark 2023 judgement.

The Commission noted that the practice constitutes a grave violation of human rights, especially the right to life with dignity and equality before the law. The Commission observed that despite the constitutional and legal safeguards, manual cleaning of hazardous waste continues to be reported in certain parts of the country. A complete ban on manual scavenging was announced by the Supreme Court on 29th January this year in six major cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

NHRC has recommended the wide dissemination of the prohibition of manual scavenging and relevant judicial directives among stakeholders, including local authorities, contractors, and the general public. It has also recommended sensitisation programmes for government officials, sanitation workers, and communities on the legal, social, and human rights dimensions of manual scavenging.

The Commission has also called for the establishment of robust monitoring systems to ensure real-time compliance and deterrence. It said there must be regular follow-ups and review mechanisms to track progress, identify implementation gaps, and ensure accountability at all levels..