Mysore/Mysuru: Pourakarmikas or sanitation workers regularly deal with hazardous waste and sometimes, enter high-risk confined spaces like sewers and septic tanks for cleaning. They are exposed to dangerous viruses and bacteria that would ruin their health. “To save them from the risk of being infected, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) must construct bathing units in every Ward,” said Social Justice Forum President and senior advocate O. Sham Bhat.

Addressing a press conference at Patrakarthara Bhavan in city on Thursday, he said that good hygiene is an important barrier to many infectious diseases, including the faecal–oral diseases and it promotes better health and well-being. Proper washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of diseases and Pourakarmikas unfortunately do not have the facility of cleaning themselves up after their sanitation work.

They go home carrying the dangerous bacteria and viruses and risk their own lives and also the lives of their families. To prevent this, the MCC must construct wash areas or bathing units in all 65 Wards, he said and added that the Social Justice Forum has already given representation to the MCC authorities in this regard.

The sanitation workers provide the most essential public service — a service which far too often comes at the cost of their health, safety and dignity. Despite the important work they do, Pourakarmikas have been given less attention by the authorities and Governments. Also, with the current pandemic showing no signs of abating, sanitation workers are at an increased risk of infection, he reasoned.

“In the wash rooms, solar power can be used to heat water and this is a cost-effective measure too. The Pourakarmikas, after washing themselves can wear fresh clothes in bathing units. This system will go a long way in ensuring their health. The MCC must make the facility available as part of its commitment to the city,” Sham Bhat said.

Explaining the intention of the Social Justice Forum, he said that the platform will strive to uplift dalits and make them economically independent and work towards their overall development.

“During COVID, the Forum distributed thousands of ration kits in all the under-developed areas of Mysuru and in dalit colonies. Plus free training is being given to those candidates who wish to take up competitive examinations,” he added.

The Forum has strived to develop temples inside dalit colonies and has extended financial support for the same including the support extended to Bannariamma Temple at Palahalli Dalit Colony and Pattaaladamma Temple at Belagola Dalit Colony.

Social Justice Forum Vice-President Dr. Anandkumar, Secretary M.S. Paramananda, Treasurer Harish Shenoy, member Eeranna were present.