Introduction:

The Karnataka High Court, on Tuesday, emphasized the need for the state government to implement a comprehensive action plan for protecting powarakarmikas (sanitation workers) from the severe impact of heatwaves during the summer months. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, hearing a petition filed by the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), questioned the state’s failure to adopt proactive measures despite the recurring nature of heatwaves. The court noted that these workers, who rely entirely on state support, deserve immediate attention and not ad-hoc responses to predictable seasonal hardships. The petition sought directives under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandating authorities to ensure the welfare of sanitation workers as per the Karnataka State Heat Wave Action Plan 2024-25 and guidelines from the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Karnataka. The petitioners also requested humane working conditions and immediate implementation of the March 12, 2025, order issued by the Karnataka Commission for Safai Karamcharis, which called upon the Urban Development Department, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Chief Commissioner of BBMP, and District Commissioners to take appropriate protective actions.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioners, represented by Advocate Clifton D Rozario, argued that powrakarmikas are among the most vulnerable workers who operate under extreme conditions and lack basic amenities such as drinking water, rest periods, and protective gear. The petition pointed out that the State Heat Wave Action Plan specifically mandates measures to safeguard workers from the impact of extreme heat, but the government had failed to implement these directives. The petitioners contended that the Disaster Management Act, 2005, obligates the state to ensure the safety of all citizens, including sanitation workers, who play a crucial role in maintaining public hygiene.

The government advocate, in response, submitted that municipal bodies across Karnataka have independent budgets to provide for their sanitation staff, and therefore, a blanket directive was unnecessary. The state’s counsel further argued that the municipalities were already taking measures to address heatwave concerns. However, the court questioned the sufficiency of these measures, highlighting the lack of structured and enforced implementation.

Court’s Judgment:

The High Court was unconvinced by the state’s argument, stating that providing essential relief such as access to drinking water and regulated working hours for powrakarmikas should not require extensive budgeting. The court remarked, “To provide water to a poor man for drinking in the hot summer, you need a budget?” underscoring the failure of the state to act in a timely and humane manner. Expressing its concern over the government’s ad-hoc approach, the bench instructed the Additional Government Advocate (AGA) to secure specific instructions on the implementation of heatwave protection measures. The court further observed that the March 12, 2025, order from the Karnataka Commission for Safai Karamcharis had not been executed, despite being in place for over a month. The bench reiterated that “No poor man should suffer, because others will have some water to drink.” The court indicated that a comprehensive order would be passed in the next hearing and scheduled the matter for further proceedings on Friday.