MUMBAI: In a major step towards ending manual scavenging in Maharashtra , the state govt has decided to buy 100 vehicle-mounted robotic sewer-cleaning machines for Rs 100 crore. The initiative aims to replace with modern technology the dangerous and inhumane practice of manual sewer cleaning. Sanitation workers will be trained and prioritised for operating the machines.

The machines were initially supposed to be procured by the urban development department, headed by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, but after months of delay, the responsibility has been handed over to the social justice and special assistance department, led by Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat. The machines will be distributed across 29 municipal corporations. The move is in line with the Prohibition of Em

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