JMC-H issues helpline no. for cleaning septic tanks, sewers in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Heritage (JMC-H) has issued a helpline number, 14420, for residents and commercial establishments to call to book a cleaning service for sewerage lines and septic tanks.
City residents can also register their complaints on this helpline number. Within 24 hours of receiving the complaint on the helpline, JMC-H staff will get the septic tank cleaned with a machine, said officials.
“On receiving a complaint on the 14420 helpline number, trained employees of the corporation will come and clean the sewer and the septic tank concerned through machines.The corporation has also signed contracts with private septic tank cleaners. Residents will have to pay user charges for this facility to JMC Heritage. Emptying a tank will cost a maximum of Rs 2,400 for eight hours, while the minimum amount will be Rs 1,000,” said JMC-H commissioner Abhishek Surana.
Surana said sewer water is being drained through sewer lines at most places under the civic body’s jurisdiction, but old septic tanks are in use for sewerage at many places even today.
“In such a situation, when these tanks get filled, sewer water starts flowing out, which can spread infections. Residents often send cleaners down to the septic tank without any protection for cleaning, which is a danger to the cleaners’ lives because of presence of poisonous gases,” said Surana.
Legal action can also be taken against those involved in such illegal activities, added Surana.
On Thursday, the garage branch of JMC-H imparted training on Safai Mitras on cleaning septic tanks and sewers using a jetting machine. A control room has been set up at JMC-H office to receive and monitor the complaints.