PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The protest by sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) saw the workers boycotting garbage collection services across the city over pending demands. With waste collection vehicles remaining parked at the MCD premises, piles of uncollected garbage were seen lying outside residential areas, roads and public places, causing inconvenience to residents. The boycott was suspended by the workers after receiving an assurance from the authorities.
The impact of the one day strike was visible in various parts of the city. The situation worsened after rain in the morning soaked the waste, resulting in foul smell and concerns over sanitation and public health during the monsoon. The Dehradun district administration contacted the Safai Karmachari Union and informed it that their demands were under review. According to the union, the administration assured it that a response to their demands would be given by August 5.
Union president Sonu Khairwal said that workers have suspended their strike following the assurance given by the administration. He said that if their demands are not approved by August 5, the workers will resume the agitation.
The sanitation workers are demanding approval of the proposed Rs 800 increase in the honorarium of Paryavaran Mitras (sanitation workers), recruitment of 715 Paryavaran Mitras and revision of the cut-off date for regularisation from 2018 to 2024. The union said that it will decide its next course of action after receiving the administration’s response.
