730 advanced machines launched to end manual sewer cleaning in Punjab

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Friday flagged off a fleet of 730 advanced cleaning machines worth Rs 39.56 crore for 150 municipalities, marking a decisive shift from manual to mechanised sewer cleaning across the state.

Advertisement

The comprehensive mechanisation programme features specialised equipment designed to address every sanitation challenge while eliminating the need for human entry into sewer lines.

The fleet includes Jetting-cum-Suction machines that combine high-pressure water jets with powerful suction to clear stubborn blockages, along with Grab Bucket Machines that safely remove silt from manholes without endangering workers. For narrow lanes and congested urban areas, the administration has deployed compact Mouse Jetters and environmentally-friendly e-rickshaw mounted desilting machines that operate on battery power.

The sanitation arsenal is strengthened by durable Rodding Sets, Sewer Inspection Cameras for assessing hazardous locations, Pumping Sets to handle overflow emergencies and industrial-grade Super Suction Machines capable of thorough cleaning operations.

With 218 machines already operational in Sangrur Cluster and the remaining 512 being deployed across other municipalities worth Rs 39.56 crore. The government will conduct quarterly performance reviews. This initiative positions Punjab as a leader in urban sanitation reform, with plans to completely eradicate manual sanitation of sewer lines, while setting new benchmarks in worker safety and infrastructure management.