Sanitation workers strike disrupts garbage collection in Madhya Pradesh
Unions demand regularisation and higher salaries as waste piles up in Bhopal ahead of Diwali.
Sanitation workers across Madhya Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, causing waste to accumulate in residential areas, markets, and public spaces. According to reports from Urban Acres and India Today, the protest has particularly impacted Bhopal, where garbage collection has been halted for two days.
The Madhya Pradesh Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Congress and the Swatantra Kamgaar Sangh are leading the agitation. Union president Magan Jhanjhot stated that approximately 2.5 lakh sanitation workers across the state have joined the protest. He claimed workers from 14 of the state's 16 municipal corporations are participating, excluding Indore and Ujjain.
The unions are demanding permanent employment, an end to contractual hiring, and a minimum monthly salary of Rs 25,000. A sanitation worker from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation noted that daily-wage employees currently receive Rs 10,900, which they described as insufficient.
In Bhopal, which produces 850 tonnes of waste every day, approximately 800 collection vehicles have reportedly remained stationary. The News Mill reported that significant refuse has gathered in the New Market area, causing inconvenience to traders and shoppers.
Talks between the unions and senior officials from the Urban Administration and Development Department failed on Thursday morning, according to Urban Acres. Jhanjhot said the unions will now seek intervention from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The unions have warned they may suspend water supply starting Friday if their demands are not met. Bhopal Municipal Corporation official Ramprakash Ahirwar said discussions are continuing and expressed hope for a resolution.