Senior government officials, sanitation experts, technology providers and sanitation workers gathered in Bhubaneswar for a national workshop focused on eliminating fatalities in sanitation work through mechanisation, improved safety systems and stronger institutional coordination.

The workshop, titled “Mission Zero: Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work,” was held at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhawan. Representatives from the central and Odisha governments, Urban Local Bodies, sanitation organisations, civil society groups, technology providers and sanitation workers took part in the discussions.

Mechanisation at the Centre of Mission Zero

Discussions focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms, improving operational preparedness and expanding mechanised sanitation services across the country.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the workshop along with Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee.

Pant said achieving zero fatalities in sanitation work is a key national priority. He stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach to ensure sanitation services are delivered safely and with dignity.

NAMASTE and GARIMA Schemes Highlighted

Pant highlighted the NAMASTE and GARIMA schemes, which focus on promoting mechanisation and improving occupational safety, health, education and livelihood opportunities for sanitation workers and their dependants.

He also discussed the Swachhata Sarthi and waste picker component, introduced in 2024 to strengthen social and economic empowerment initiatives for waste pickers.

The NAMASTE scheme has been extended until 2031, with a focus on systematic sanitation services through Emergency Response Sanitation Units, advancing the Mission Zero objective and expanding welfare measures for sanitation workers and their families.

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Safety Technology Showcased

Safety equipment and technology designed to improve sanitation operations were showcased during the workshop.

Pant visited a marketplace displaying protective equipment and other devices aimed at improving worker safety and operational efficiency. He also interacted with technology providers and other stakeholders.

Waste-to-Wealth Self-Help Groups comprising waste pickers and sanitation workers displayed initiatives related to livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and sustainable waste management.

Stakeholders Call for Coordinated Action

Representatives from Urban Local Bodies, the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation, sanitation-sector institutions, civil society organisations, technology companies and equipment manufacturers discussed practical measures to eliminate hazardous manual sanitation practices.

The workshop emphasised that governments, local authorities, technology providers and communities must work together to create safer sanitation systems.

Mission Zero aims to transform sanitation services through mechanisation, institutional preparedness, enhanced worker safety, social security and livelihood support.

The workshop reaffirmed the commitment to building a safe, dignified and technology-driven sanitation ecosystem in which no sanitation worker loses their life while performing sanitation duties.