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Manual Scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, handling, or removing human excreta from dry latrines, sewers, septic tanks, or open drains. This degrading and hazardous practice is often undertaken by marginalized communities, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation systems. Manual scavengers usually use hand tools such as buckets, brooms and shovels. Manual Scavenging has originated during colonial and feudal systems, where specific caste groups were assigned this task. It is strongly linked to the caste system in countries like India, where Dalits and other marginalized groups have traditionally been forced into this occupation. In London, cesspits containing human waste were called ‘gongs’ or ‘jakes’ and men employed to clean them ‘Gongfermours’ or ‘Gongfarmers’. (Read Full Article….)