In a major setback to Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) efforts to keep the city garbage free, pourakarmikas started an indefinite strike on Wednesday against the new garbage tenders. They refused to collect garbage and as a result, heaps of garbage remained in many areas including Adugodi, Basavanagudi, near Viveknagar Church, Queen’s Road, Jeevanbimanagar and Bapujinagar.
“Pourakarmikas did not come to collect garbage. We had to throw it on the roadside as we had no other option,” said Shymala Madhavan, a resident of Chamrajpet.
However, a few parts were unaffected. Mukund Rao, a member of the Jayanagar Citizens Forum said at Shakambarinagar where BBMP pourakarmikas worked, garbage was collected and lifted as usual.
Thousands of pourakarmikas took out a procession from the BBMP head office to Bannappa Park demanding better facilities and an assurance from the Corporation that they won’t lose their jobs after the new contractors start solid waste management.
BBMP Commissioner Rajaneesh Goel said they were assessing the impact of the strike on collection of waste from different areas. “I have directed the zonal commissioners to look into it and give a detailed report. We will hold talks with pourakarmikas and try to resolve the issue,” Goel said.
He said there was no need for pourakarmikas to be concerned about the new contracts. It will be good for them as they will be working in shifts and get all the benefits, Goel added.
Pourakarmikas are unlikely to collect garbage even on Thursday. They are planning to stage a protest in front of thelabour commissioner’s office.