3 Workers Die in Karachi Sewer Tragedy, Highlighting Manual Scavenging Dangers

Tragedy struck in Karachi's Saddar Town on September 22, when four sanitation workers entered a sewer to clean blocked drains. Three of them, George Masih, his 16-year-old son Vishal, and their 18-year-old relative Sahil Khurshid, lost their lives due to poisonous gas. Only Sahil's younger brother, 14-year-old Raza, survived the incident. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of manual scavenging in Pakistan, where workers often risk their lives without proper protective gear.

Manual scavenging, the practice of physically cleaning sewers and drains, is still largely performed by members of marginalized communities like Christians in Pakistan. According to activists, around 30 workers die each year in Karachi alone, and around 100 across Pakistan, with the real toll likely higher due to underreporting. The victims were cleaning blocked drains as part of their manual scavenging work, a task that often proves fatal due to the presence of toxic gases.

Authorities have acknowledged the dangers of manual scavenging but cite structural barriers that make reform difficult. The responsibility for implementing reforms regarding the use of human labor in cleaning wastewater systems in Karachi can be distributed among several organizations. These include water and sewage boards, ministerial and governmental bodies, civil society and non-governmental organizations, and health and safety authorities. Activists plan to file a public interest litigation seeking a nationwide ban on manual scavenging in Pakistan, similar to one imposed by the Supreme Court of India.

The incident in Karachi's Saddar Town has once again brought the issue of manual scavenging to the forefront. The families of the three victims received a total compensation of Rs800,000 (approximately $2,900). However, activists argue that monetary compensation is not enough and call for a comprehensive ban on this hazardous practice. They urge relevant authorities to work together and implement reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of these marginalized workers.