Chennai Corporation conducts training programme for desilting stormwater drains

A half-day training programme on effective stormwater drain maintenance and occupational health and safety for desilting and conservancy workers was organised by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) with the Institutional Strengthening and Reforms Consultant (ISRC), on Thursday. More than 100 desilting and conservancy workers from Tiruvottiyur and Manali Zones took part.

According to a press release, the programme was held under the Asian Development Bank-funded Integrated Urban Flood Management for the Chennai-Kosasthalaiyar Basin Project. A specially developed training booklet for desilting and conservancy workers was released. The booklet was designed as a practical, field-oriented reference guide using simple language and visual illustrations to promote safe, systematic and hygienic stormwater drain maintenance practices, the release stated.

It covers stormwater drain maintenance procedures, key occupational health and safety measures, identification of common workplace hazards, standard safety protocols, mandatory use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices, first aid and emergency response procedures and essential hygiene practices, the release mentioned.

The training featured technical and interactive sessions on effective drain maintenance, identification and removal of blockages, preventive measures, correct use of personal protective equipment and emergency response at work sites.