New Delhi, Mar 1 (IANS): Claiming to be the first state to introduce sewer cleaning machines in narrow lanes of the city, the Delhi government on Friday launched 200 such vehicles to ensure safety and dignity of civic workers.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while launching the machines, said the cleaners had to enter manholes and clean the system by putting their lives in danger.

"Our Government gave a serious thought to it and planned mechanised cleaning of sewers. Delhi Jal Board officers developed a technology and were able to provide 'Small Sewer Cleaning Vehicles' fitted with the machines to 200 people, who are already engaged in the work.

"By this way, the government has made these workers self-employed. They can be called entrepreneurs, a status that will help them economically. At the same time, it will also ensure their safety and give them dignity."

Kejriwal said Delhi is the first state to have developed this device to put an end to manual cleaning of sewers.

Delhi Jal Board CEO Anil Kumar Singh said with the introduction of Small Sewage Cleaning Machine Vehicles, the DJB will be able to ensure cleaning of sewage in narrow lanes.

"The small cleaning machine can clean a manhole 30-ft deep and bring out the silt and other waste from the manhole to a trolley," Singh said.