The BBMP has finalised a new uniform for pourakarmikas working on its rolls. SWM expert committee member Sandhya Narayan said the new design takes into account the concerns raised by pourakarmikas. “At present, the uniform is being provided by contractors. Many pourakarmikas do not use the gloves and masks, as they are of the wrong size or uncomfortable to wear,” said Ms. Narayan.
The proposed uniform will be colour coded based on the nature of work.
Workers collecting wet waste will wear green colour uniforms, dry waste collectors blue and sweepers will don a rust brown uniform.
Workers would be provided winter wear and rain coats as well. Pourakarmikas will be given tokens based on which they can select uniforms from designated stores according to size. The uniforms have been designed by Foley Design Studio, headed by Michael Foley, one of Bengaluru's well-known designers.
For men, the uniform will consist of a T-shirt and track pants and for women, a jacket to be worn over their saris. The upper portion of the gloves will be made of a breathable material, and the inner side of Nitrile, which is more resistant to tear than rubber. “Dry waste collectors handle acidic waste and rubber gloves get cut easily. The new gloves will be more long-lasting,” said Ms. Narayan. Instead of plastic masks, soft fabric masks, which can help cover the mouth, will be provided.