BENGALURU, 1 DEC

Bengaluru’s garbage management system relies heavily on dedicated but overburdened pourakarmikas. These unsung heroes are the backbone of the City’s cleanliness efforts but their relentless work comes at a steep cost: severe staff shortages, health complications and a lack of resources that often leave them exhausted and unheard.

BBMP oversees the City’s waste management but it has long struggled with a shortage of Pourakarmikas. BBMP deploys one worker for every 700 residents, covering at least 550m in an eight-hour shift.

Meena, a pourakarmika from the West zone, told Salar News, “On paper, there are 20 workers in our ward. But in reality, only 12 of us are here to clean the roads, collect waste and transport it. We are expected to cover three times the area we used to.”

Raju, another Pourakarmika from the East zone, shared that his working hours stretch from early morning until late evening. “We lift heavy bins, walk for miles, and still get yelled at by residents if the garbage isn’t cleared on time,” he said.

Contract-based workers, such as Kumar, who have been with the BBMP for five years, live without job security and with a salary of Rs 12,000 to 17,000. “Even after five years, I’m still a contract worker,” he said. “We don’t have medical insurance, and if we fall sick, we lose wages. How is that fair?”

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath blamed administrative delays and budget constraints for the shortage of workers. "We are working to increase their numbers," he said, adding, “We’ve also introduced mechanised waste collection vehicles to reduce their workload, but the transition takes time.”

Cleaning garbage with bare hands

Next time you dispose of used diapers and uneaten food without proper packaging, think about the pourakarmikas who clean your rubbish with their bare hands as BBMP and contractors fail to provide them with necessary protective gear, such as gloves and masks. As a result of which, many suffer from respiratory problems, skin infections, and debilitating back pain.

Radha, a 58-year-old Pourakarmika from the South zone, said that they are not provided with any safety kits. “During the pandemic, we were given thin gloves that tore easily, and masks weren’t regularly provided. We are exposed to harmful chemicals and rotting garbage every day,” she added.

Health issues are rampant among these workers, with 88 per cent reporting recurring problems, ranging from chest pain to breathing difficulties.

In 2023, the State government cancelled a Rs 15 crore fund earmarked for uniforms and safety equipment for sanitation workers.

"By halting the designated funds, the government has risked their lives. All waste workers, including contract workers, must be covered by Employees' State Insurance (ESI) and provided with the safety equipment they need," said Maitreyi Krishnan from All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU).

Girinath told Salar News that most of the workers are contract-based and that contractors do not provide protective gear to cut costs. "BBMP has limited enforcement power over all contract workers," he added. “To improve the safety and working conditions of Pourakarmikas, the BBMP has launched comprehensive health screenings, including cancer tests. A few NGOs have also come forward to monitor the regular and effective distribution of personal protective equipment,” said the BBMP Chief. -Salar News