As part of strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting appropriate technologies, ensuring operational preparedness and scaling up mechanised sanitation services across cities in the country, a National Workshop on “Mission Zero: Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work” was organised at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar in Odisha today.

The workshop was graced by Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha. Among the other dignitaries present were Shri Sudhansh Pant,  Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; Smt. Anu Garg, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha, Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha; Shri V. K. Chaurasia, Advisor, CPHEEO; Shri Debabrata Mohanty, Managing Director, WATCO; Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, NSKFDC, the nodal agency for implementation of NAMASTE; Ms. Meghna Malhotra and Shri Xerxes Rao, UMC; Shri Chanchal Rana, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; and Dr. Vijay Suryavansi, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

Senior government officials, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), sanitation-sector experts, manufacturers, technology providers, civil society organisations and sanitation workers to deliberate on building a safe, dignified and fully mechanised sanitation ecosystem.

The workshop focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting appropriate technologies, ensuring operational preparedness and scaling up mechanised sanitation services across cities, with the overarching objective of achieving zero fatalities in sanitation work.

Addressing the workshop, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Sudhansh Pant reiterated that achieving zero fatalities in sanitation work is a core national priority under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach to ensure that sanitation services are delivered safely, systematically and with dignity.

Shri Pant highlighted that NAMASTE and GARIMA schemes are being implemented to promote mechanisation and ensure occupational safety, health, education and livelihood opportunities for sanitation workers and their dependents. He said the the Swachhata Sarthi/waste picker component, introduced in 2024, has further strengthened the framework by bringing waste pickers into the ambit of social and economic empowerment initiatives.

The Secretary further stated that NAMASTE has been extended up to 2031 with the objective of ensuring systematic sanitation service delivery through Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs), advancing the Mission Zero agenda and achieving saturation of welfare measures for sanitation workers and their families.

The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, showcase innovations and discuss practical solutions for safe sanitation operations.

The Secretary visited the safety devices and equipment marketplace and interacted with stakeholders showcasing technologies and equipment designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of sanitation workers. He also visited stalls set up by Waste-to-Wealth Self Help Groups comprising waste pickers and sanitation workers, highlighting opportunities for livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and sustainable waste management.

Pertinently, the event brought together representatives from the Government of India and Government of Odisha, senior officials of Urban Local Bodies, CPHEEO, sanitation-sector institutions, civil society organisations, technology and equipment providers, as well as sanitation workers.

The participation of diverse stakeholders underscored the importance of coordinated action among governments, ULBs, technology providers and communities to eliminate hazardous manual sanitation practices.

The workshop reaffirmed the collective commitment to building a safe, dignified, technology-driven and sustainable sanitation ecosystem, where no sanitation worker loses their life while performing sanitation duties.

The Mission Zero approach seeks to transform sanitation work through mechanisation, institutional preparedness, worker safety, social security and livelihood support, paving the way towards zero fatalities in sanitation work across the country.

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PR-84-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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