Delhi: Safai Kamgar Union Stages Protest Over Death of 3 Sanitation Workers in Mundka Septic Tank Incident

June 27, 2026

New Delhi: The Safai Kamgar Union (SKU) staged a protest in the national capital over the death of three sanitation workers in a septic tank incident in West Delhi’s Mundka area, demanding safety audits at all workplaces and strict action against those responsible.

Demand for Compensation and Job Assurance

The Union demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of the deceased workers and a government job for one member of each affected family.

The protest was held under the SKU banner and included participation from sanitation workers associated with institutions such as Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD), Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), and Delhi University (DU).

Allegations of Administrative Negligence

The SKU strongly criticised authorities, stating that despite existing laws and regulations, repeated deaths of sanitation workers in sewers and septic tanks continue unabated.

“This is not an isolated incident, as every year many sanitation workers die while cleaning sewers and septic tanks. This practice, which is outlawed, still exists even 75 years after India’s independence,” the Union said in its statement.

Concerns Over Systemic Issues

The Union alleged that entrenched caste and class inequalities contribute to the continued neglect of sanitation workers, most of whom belong to marginalised communities and work under precarious conditions.

It further highlighted that contractual hiring practices and privatization of sanitation work have worsened safety conditions, forcing workers into hazardous environments without adequate protection.

Demand for Strict Action

The SKU demanded strict legal action, including registration of homicide cases, against the Mundka factory owner, the contractor, and officials responsible for the incident.

It also urged mandatory safety audits and proper enforcement of labour laws to prevent such incidents in the future.

The protest reflects growing concern over the safety of sanitation workers in India, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement of occupational safety standards and accountability mechanisms.