Waste pickers hold public hearing, raise issues

Demanding compliance with Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016, the Capital’s waste pickers participated in a public hearing on Tuesday.

The public hearing, which focused on highlighting perspectives of the informal sector of waste pickers, discussed ways of improving compliance with the rules.

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi was the chief guest at the event, which was attended by waste pickers from Ghazipur, Chaman Vihar, Bhalswa and Lodhi Garden. The waste pickers talked about health issues faced by them, and need for identity cards, safety equipment, vaccinations and Anganwadi centres.

“Children of working women are generally left behind without basic amenities. I urge the government to set up Anganwadi centres in our bastis so that our children can study there,” said Khatoon from Bhalswa.

“We hope that voices and viewpoints of Delhi’s waste pickers are heard and taken seriously. This will automatically ensure that the SWM Rules, 2016, are complied with by the local municipalities,” said Chitra Mukherjee of Chintan, a United Nations ECOSOC-accredited organisation which facilitated the meet along with Safai Sena.

Mobile health vans

“Ms. Lekhi promised four mobile health vans to communities in her constituency and to give unconditional support to informal waste pickers who are a key to recycling in the cities,” added Ms. Mukherjee.