Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim is ditching manual sewer cleaning. The state government inked a deal with Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Monday to bring in automated sewage and waste collection tools. This move pulls the plug on hazardous manual labor for good.
Urban Development Minister Bhoj Raj Rai oversaw the signing. The equipment arrives through the automaker’s corporate social responsibility program for the 2026-27 cycle. The goal is simple. Boost safety, clean the cities, and restore dignity to workers.
Rai emphasized that machines aren't a total fix. "Technology alone cannot ensure success. Comprehensive training of operating personnel is essential for the efficient operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability of the equipment," he said. Operators will learn how to run and keep the machines running smooth.
Officials tied the move to the 2013 federal law banning manual scavenging. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Singh Raje noted the project aligns with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s push for inclusive, high-tech urban services. Digital tracking will keep the new robotic fleet transparent and accountable.
Toyota executives brought in expertise from Japan to guide the transition. They detailed the maintenance needs and technical hurdles of the new gear. Sikkim expects this to create a cleaner, safer system that finally ends the reliance on hand-cleaning sewers.
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