Sanitation strike: East Delhi localities strewn with garbage

The East Delhi areas are witnessing fresh round of garbage pile-ups. Three days have passed since 15,000 sanitation workers of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) went on a strike, leaving the residential colonies and roads littered with garbage. The sanitation workers are protesting against non-payment of salaries, arrears and other dues.

Areas like Vinod Nagar, Patparganj, Shahdara, Geeta Colony, Khajuri, Bhajanpura and Laxmi Nagar were stinking as huge garbage piles could be seen on the roads. Places like EDMC’s headquarters and all zonal offices faced similar situations. 

“It is difficult to even pass by these roads. The roads are stinking so badly that we fear we might catch some infection,” said Vipul Negi, a resident of East Vinod Nagar.

Scores of municipal sanitation workers reportedly left garbage piles outside the offices of EDMC councillors demanding “immediate” release of funds for their salaries. 

They also threatened to suspend work for an “indefinite” period if their demands are not met. 

“It has been two-three months that the workers have not received their salaries and other dues. Despite repeated requests, our demands have gone unheard. Hence, we have staged a protest here. We will strike work for an indefinite period if our demands are not met,” Sanjay Gehlot, president of Delhi Mazdoor Vikas Sanyukta Morcha, said.

The miffed sanitation workers threatened to intensify their stir by dumping more garbage in the city. “Although agencies claim to have released salaries but no money has been credited to our accounts. We will call off our strike only when all demands are met,” said Gehlot. 

The residents of different areas claimed that majority of dhalaos located in residential socities are overflowing as sanitation workers have not cleared the garbage for the past three days. 

“They have met EDMC Mayor Satya Sharma and East Delhi MP Mahesh Giri, appealing both of them to short out whatever the issues are between MCD and sanitaion workers. But instead of giving any satisfactory reply, they blamed the Delhi government for this situation,” said an RWA office bearer from the affected area.

Now, we have decided to meet Manish Sisodia on Monday. We have also applied all RWAs and other representatives of residents’ body to come forward,” he said.