Hyderabad: Rains compound woes of garbage staff, city
GHMC claims 95 p.c. staff back, but only 5 p.c. work
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-07-15 01:19 GMT
Hyderabad: While GHMC authorities claimed 95 per cent municipal workers had resumed work on Tuesday, in reality, only five per cent workers called off the strike following threats from the Corporation.
Around 3,000 metric tons of garbage has been removed so far, which is equal to one day’s waste. The Corporation, however, is worried as the city has been witnessing slight rains, which will worsen the situation.
Following the moderate rain on Tuesday, GHMC had to arrange for additional emergency teams. Mr A. Shankar, a member of the Greater Hyderabad Bhagyanagar Municipal Union said, “Around five per cent of the workers, who feared losing their jobs, attended duty on Tuesday but the rest are still in strike. A hunger strike unto death begins on Wednesday; the joint action committee will meet at Indira Park on July 15 and 10 Left parties have extended support.”
GHMC commissioner and special officer Somesh Kumar said, “The government is keen on addressing the workers’ problems; however, due to pressure from contractors and the opposition, who have no concern with the strike, the sanitation workers are continuing the protest. The state government is supervising the whole situation; on Tuesday, following a call from the Chief Minister to resume work, 14,270 workers attended duty. The Corporation is seeking the Law and Order department’s help in case the protesting unions interrupt the sanitation works. Action will be initiated against the obstructers as per the rules. During the strike period about 3000 metric tonnes of garbage was lifted and transported to the dumping yard.”