HMWSSB officials have warned that strict action will be taken if manhole covers are opened during the monsoon. The instructions have been given to avoid any accidents during the period of rainy season.

The HMWSSB has already taken all kinds of precautionary measures during the monsoon like fixing of Safety grills on more than 22 thousand deeper and were sealed with covers and colored with red marks. Emergency Response Team (ERT), Monsoon Safety Team (MST) and Safety Protocol Team (SPT) were deployed with Protective equipment at the field level.

Each section is monitored by a sewer inspector, who oversees the manholes in their jurisdiction. They conduct field inspections early morning and coordinate with GHMC officials to clear blockages and waterlogged areas in any as required.

In case of any issues with manhole covers damaged or found to be open, the public is appealed to call on the HMWSSB customer care number at 155313 or contact their near local ward offices.

Under HMWSSB ACT - 1989 of Section 74 any citizen or unauthorized person open or remove the lid of a manhole without the permission of the authorities is punishable offense and criminal cases booked against culprits.

Training to the workers:

HMWSSB conducts safety training for sanitation workers every week on how to  work in emergency situations. In these programs they are being trained on the performance of safety devices, how to use them, and all the precautions to be taken in sanitation work as per SOP guidelines.

Wide Publicity in the Media:

Further, the HMWSSB conducts extensive public awareness campaigns through various media channels about proper sewage management practices during the monsoon, emphasizing the do's and don'ts.