Last Updated: 29 September 2026

End of manual sewer cleaning: 730 modern machines worth ₹39.56 crore given to 150 towns (June 2025) so no worker has to enter a sewer^[1][2]

Launch (22 Feb 2025, Sangrur): CM flagged off the first 216 super suction-cum-jetting machines (₹14.30 crore) for 7 Malwa districts: Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Malerkotla, Mansa, Patiala & Fatehgarh Sahib^[3]
-- Sanitation workers now operate machines instead of entering manholes

Earlier: Sanitation workers went into sewers manually, risking their lives

¶ Machines^[1:1]

• Jetting-cum-suction machines, grab bucket machines & super suction machines
• Compact 'mouse jetters' & battery e-rickshaw desilting machines for narrow lanes
• Sewer inspection cameras, rodding sets & pumping sets

¶ Worker safety & welfare

• Safety equipment, health insurance, regular medical check-ups & training to operate machines^[1:2]
• Monthly pay of contractual safai sewaks & sewermen raised to ₹20,500 (July 2026)^[4]

References:

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1. https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=205803 (Punjab Govt Press Release, 13 June 2025) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

2. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/730-advanced-machines-launched-to-end-manual-sewer-cleaning-in-state/ ↩︎

3. https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=199743 (Punjab Govt Press Release, 22 Feb 2025) ↩︎

4. https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=224469 (Punjab Govt Press Release, 27 July 2026) ↩︎