Terms & Conditions

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Septage Tanker Booking – Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility

• The Septage Tanker Service is available only within the jurisdiction of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
• The applicant shall provide accurate and complete details, including name, address, ward number, location, and mobile number at the time of booking.

2. Booking Confirmation

• A booking shall be considered confirmed only after successful payment, wherever applicable.
• Upon successful booking, a unique Booking ID will be generated.
• Booking confirmation shall be sent to the registered mobile number through SMS and/or WhatsApp.
• The customer shall retain the Booking ID until the service has been successfully completed.

3. Service Availability

• Septage collection shall be carried out subject to tanker availability and the approved operational schedule.
• The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation reserves the right to reschedule or postpone bookings due to heavy rainfall, public holidays, vehicle breakdowns, emergencies, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

4. Customer Responsibilities

The customer shall ensure that:

• The septic tank is easily accessible before the arrival of the tanker.
• The septic tank cover can be safely opened.
• Adequate parking space is available for the tanker.
• Any obstacles restricting access to the septic tank are removed before the scheduled service.

5. Water and Electricity

Where applicable:

• If a pumping-type tanker is deployed, the customer shall provide a suitable electricity connection at the site.
• Sufficient clean water shall be made available for operating the pumping equipment.
• Clean water shall also be provided for washing the hose, equipment, and safety gear after completion of the desludging operation.

6. Scope of Service

The Septage Tanker Service includes only:

• Desludging of septic tanks.
• Collection of septage.
• Transportation of septage.
• Disposal of septage at authorised Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) or Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs).

7. Services Not Included

The tanker crew shall not undertake any of the following works:

• Removal of mud, soil, or silt.
• Removal of grass, shrubs, or vegetation.
• Excavation around the septic tank.
• Opening damaged, broken, or permanently sealed septic tank covers.
• Clearing toilet blockages.
• Drain or sewer cleaning.
• Plumbing works.
• Civil, masonry, or construction works.
• Cleaning of bathrooms or premises.
• Removal of construction or demolition waste.
• Any work not directly related to septic tank desludging.

8. Manual Scavenging

• Manual scavenging is strictly prohibited under applicable laws.
• Tanker personnel shall not enter septic tanks under any circumstances.
• Customers shall not request or compel workers to manually clean or enter septic tanks.

9. Safety

For the safety of all concerned:

• Customers shall maintain a safe distance from the work area during the operation.
• Children and pets shall be kept away from the work site.
• Customers shall not interfere with the operation of the tanker or its equipment.
• All safety instructions issued by the tanker crew shall be strictly followed.

10. Tanker Safety

• Customers shall not climb onto or operate any part of the tanker.
• The septage level inside the tanker shall be verified only through the designated glass level indicator.
• Only authorised tanker personnel are permitted to operate the equipment.

11. Vehicle Access

The customer shall ensure that:

• The approach road is suitable for safe movement of the tanker.
• All parked vehicles, materials, or other obstructions are removed before the tanker arrives.
• If the tanker cannot safely access the premises, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation may cancel or reschedule the booking.

12. Waiting Time and Rescheduling

• The tanker crew shall wait at the service location for a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of arrival.
• If the desludging operation cannot commence within this period due to customer-related reasons, the booking may be rescheduled subject to vehicle availability.
• If the customer requests the tanker to revisit after it has already reached the site without cancelling the original booking in advance, a rescheduling charge of ₹600 shall be payable.
• The rescheduling charge shall apply only when the delay or rescheduling is caused by customer-related reasons after the tanker has reached the service location.

13. Additional Charges

Additional charges approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation may apply in the following cases:

(a) Additional Hose Length

• The approved service tariff includes up to 50 metres of hose length.
• If additional hose length is required to complete the operation, an additional charge of ₹1,000 shall be payable.

(b) Additional Trip

• The approved tariff covers one tanker trip only.
• If the septic tank capacity exceeds the tanker capacity or additional trips are required, the customer shall pay the approved tariff for each additional trip as prescribed by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

14. Disposal of Septage

• All collected septage shall be transported only to authorised STPs/FSTPs approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
• Illegal disposal or unauthorised dumping of septage is strictly prohibited.

15. Payment

• Customers shall pay only the tariff approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
• An official payment receipt shall be obtained for every payment.
• Customers shall not make any unofficial or unauthorised payments.

16. No Overcharging

• No middleman, broker, contractor, or unauthorised third party shall collect any amount in excess of the tariff approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
• Customers are advised not to avail of this service through unauthorised agents.
• Any instance of overcharging shall be reported immediately to the Help Desk.

17. Cancellation and Refund

• Bookings may be cancelled only before the tanker is dispatched.
• Refunds, wherever applicable, shall be processed in accordance with the refund policy and applicable bylaws of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
• No refund shall be granted where the service cannot be completed due to customer-related reasons.

18. Complaints and Grievances

For complaints regarding delays, overcharging, staff behaviour, or service quality, customers may contact:

Help Desk: 9696 43 44 88

19. Rights of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation reserves the right to:

• Cancel or reschedule any booking whenever necessary.
• Refuse service where the site is unsafe or these Terms & Conditions are violated.
• Amend or revise these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice.

20. Customer Declaration

By proceeding with this booking, I hereby declare that:

• The information provided by me is true, accurate, and complete.
• I have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions.
• I shall provide safe access to the septic tank and arrange water and electricity, wherever required.
• I understand that the service is limited solely to septic tank desludging, collection, transportation, and authorised disposal of septage.
• I agree that all collected septage shall be transported only to authorised treatment facilities approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.