How a photo helped raise Rs 17 lakh for the family of Delhi worker who died cleaning a sewer

It’s not a great time to be a journalist, some would reckon. The public trust in media is at an all-time low and the industry itself is beset with a host of issues. But every once in a while, we come across stories that retain our faith in the power of public-spirited journalism

Yesterday, 28-year-old Anil died while cleaning a Delhi Jal Board sewer pit in West Delhi. According to an Indian Express report, since January 1, 2017, one person has died every five days, on average, while cleaning sewers and septic tanks across the country. Most of these men remain faceless and their families are forgotten. In Anil’s case, though, a picture posted by a journalist seems to have brought some relief.

Shiv Sunny, a journalist with Hindustan Times, posted a picture of Anil’s son, 11-year-old Gaurav, grieving near his father’s body.

This picture evoked a quick response from Twitter users, who came together to raise funds for the family.

An HT report details how over Rs 17 lakh has been collected on Ketto through contributions ranging between Rs 15 and Rs 50,000 by more than 887 donors. The Delhi government, too, said it was ready to give Rs 10 lakh to Anil’s family.