Claim
Image of robot being used to clean a sewer in China, in comparison to the practice of manual scavenging in India.
The archived version of the post can be seen here.
Fact
Newschecker ran a reverse image search of the purported image from China, which led us to this Deutsche Welle news report, April 8, 2022, stating that a tech company, Genrobotics, based in Kerala, developed a prototype for India’s first sewer cleaning robot. We learnt that the mechanical machine shown in the video, a prototype of India’s first sewage-cleaning robot, Bandicoot, was being used to unclog a sewage pipe in Mysore, Karnataka.
We came across several news reports on the machine, seen here, here and here, and how it has been deployed in several areas. Designed by nine engineers from Kerala, “Bandicoot” was reportedly launched in February 2018 after its successful run in Thiruvananthapuram, unclogging five manholes filled with plastic, filth, medical waste and sediments.
Despite Law, Manual Scavenging Continues
According to a PIB press release, dated July 19, 2022, manual scavenging is a prohibited activity in the country with effect from 6.12.2013. “No person or agency can engage or employ any person for manual scavenging from the above date. Any person or agency who engages any person for manual scavenging in violation of the provisions of the MS Act, 2013 is punishable under Section 8 of the above Act, with imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to Rs. One Lakh or both,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
However, despite the ban, there are multiple reports, seen here, here, here and here, stating that the practice persists in the country with people forced into it because of caste rules and the lack of other livelihood options.
Also Read: Terrorist Disguised As A Monk Arrested From Mahakumbh? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Photo
Result: Partly False
Sources
DW report, April 8, 2022
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