The Indian Express              10.02.2014 

Deadlock ends as sweepers to wear A2Z uniforms, sell it recyclable waste

Almost after three years, the deadlock between A2Z garbage lifting company and Valmiki Samaj workers ended on Sunday, with both the parties reaching a compromise over garbage lifting in the city.

A2Z company, hired by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation for collecting garbage from door to door and transporting it to the dumping sites, reached the compromise with the Valmiki Samaj Bachao Andolan. According to the compromise, the sweepers from Valmiki Samaj will continue collecting garbage from door to door but they will have to hand over garbage to A2Z vehicles or bins and not throw it in nooks and corners.

Talking to Newsline, Rajnish Mehra, CEO, A2Z company, said: “Valmiki Samaj was doubtful of we snatching their livelihoods. But today we have made it clear that they can keep doing their work like before collecting garbage from doorsteps but will not be allowed to throw it anywhere. They will put it in bins placed by us or at dumping sites from where our vehicles will further transport it.”

Mehra added, “Now Valmiki Samaj will be given our uniforms which they have to wear while working and in the next couple of days, the process of distributing uniforms in all the wards will be done.”

Mehra said the “step will ensure a win-win situation for both the parties and make Ludhiana free from eyesores of garbage heaps”.

A2Z has agreed on providing health insurance to all Valmiki sweepers along with monthly health check-ups. Another major step taken has been to ensure that sweepers earn from the recyclable garbage.

“A2Z has agreed to buy plastic sheets and other recyclable material from Valmiki sweepers at market rates. We want to ensure that their livelihood is not affected because of us,” said Mehra.

The toll-free number run by A2Z for garbage-lifting complaints — 1800-1200-117 — was also shared with hundreds of Valmiki workers who came to meet Mehra and Joint Commissioner A S Sekhon at Circuit House on Sunday.

Surinder Kalyan, head, Valmiki Samaj Bachao Andolan, told Newsline, “We are completely satisfied with all the points made by A2Z and will be working in cooperation with them wearing their uniforms.”

The Times of India           05.02.2014

MCC will catch them young to teach waste segregation

MYSORE: To effectively manage solid waste and to involve schoolchildren in the process, Mysore City Corporation will give hands-on training to students in waste segregation. To start with, MCC will educate government school students on the ill-effects of mismanagement of garbage.

Earlier, MCC had conducted several drives on the issue. Now, the civic body is catching young students so they can communicate the same to their parents and ensure proper segregation of waste at the source. Accordingly, the children will be taught on how biodegradable waste can be utilized effectively, instead of disposing them. According to MCC, the initiative will help them segregate waste at the source besides driving home a message on environment.

T Girish Prasad, chairman of public health, education and social justice committee, told TOI that many people are not aware of the benefits of segregating dry and wet waste. "We teach children the uses of dry and wet waste, like making compost and preparing gift articles from them," he said.

The authorities are also planning to stage street plays, dramas and other activities. Prasad said that they are taking the help of some NGOs to involve children in street plays and dramas to create awareness among general public.

During Ganesha festival last year, MCC had educated children on the ill-effects of immersing chemical-laced idols in water bodies. "The drive helped to a certain extent," Prasad said, hoping that their latest drive will also prove helpful.