T.N. stands third in country in deaths while cleaning sewer and septic tanks: Athawale

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale. | Photo Credit: PTI Tamil Nadu recorded 38 septic tank/sewer cleaning deaths, the third highest in India in the last five years, said Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale in Parliament on Tuesday.Mr. Athawale was responding to the question of Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar, who sought State-wise details of the number of deaths reported while cleaning sewer lines and septic tanks over the past five years, and details of the agencies or officials who engaged people for manual cleaning work.Mr. Athawale said: “According to the State-wise data on deaths while cleaning septic tanks, Tamil Nadu ranks third in the country. Over the past five years, 332 people have died across India while cleaning septic tanks. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of deaths with 58, followed by Haryana with 47 and Tamil Nadu with 38. The Tamil Nadu government must take effective measures to completely eliminate the tragic loss of life that continues to occur during septic tank cleaning.” Published - July 21, 2026 06:59 pm IST