By Ashutosh Roy
Guwahati (TNEC): On Tuesday, several waste collectors from Hatigarh Chariali, Guwahati were seen collecting and sorting garbage without any basic protective equipment.
Lack of Awareness
Speaking to the ‘The North-Eastern Chronicle‘, one of the waste collectors said, “I have been working and doing this for the past 10 to 11 years and haven’t even been guided to use and maintain safety measures while dealing with waste.”
GMC’s negligence
Upon questioning whether Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) or other authorities have ever raised concern over the health issues, one of the waste collectors said, “No, not at all, we were never provided with any safety equipment in the first place.”
Serious Health Concerns
However, this raises serious health concerns as collection and waste segregation without proper equipment is unhygienic and can lead to health issues in near future,
Specifically, during these unprecedented times, where everyone is advised to take proper precautions, waste pickers on the other hand who are in a precarious position, have been seen working without proper safety measures risking their health as well as of family.
