<span style="color: #222222;">The number of deaths occurring due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks has substantially come down in the country. In the year 2019, the number of such deaths was 118 which came down to 24 in 2021. This was stated by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said, the government has taken serious cognizance of deaths occurring due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. He said, several steps have been taken to provide training to the sanitation workers and properly equipping them.</span><br />