Nagpur Faces Garbage Pile-Up as Sanitation Workers Strike Over Tragic Death
Garbage collection services collapsed across five key zones of Nagpur on Monday. Around 1,600 sanitation workers, employed by a private agency contracted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), refused to work. They launched a strike following the tragic death of their colleague, Sidharth Ghodge.
A Fatal Accident Sparks Outrage
Sidharth Ghodge, aged 35, lost his life early Sunday morning. The accident occurred at Budhwar Bazar near Kamla Nehru College. Reports indicate Ghodge was crushed under the rear section of a garbage collection vehicle. Workers allege the vehicle's hydraulic lifting system malfunctioned, leading to the fatal incident.
This tragedy ignited immediate anger among the workforce. Sanitation workers accused the private contractor of negligence. They demanded proper compensation and job security for Ghodge's grieving family. Their refusal to resume duty resulted in heaps of garbage accumulating outside homes in numerous localities.
Five Municipal Zones Severely Impacted
The private agency handles door-to-door garbage collection in five specific NMC zones:
- Laxmi Nagar
- Dharampeth
- Hanuman Nagar
- Dhantoli
- Nehru Nagar
All these areas felt the direct impact of the work stoppage. The disruption forced the civic body to activate emergency plans. NMC deployed its own workforce and vehicles to manage the escalating situation.
Civic Body Implements Contingency Measures
Speaking about the crisis, Gajendra Mahalle, the chief sanitation officer of NMC's solid waste management department, outlined the response. "We deployed 40 garbage collection vehicles along with 25 tippers as an alternative arrangement," Mahalle stated.
He expressed hope for a swift resolution. "The strike is likely to come to an end on Tuesday," Mahalle told reporters. He confirmed the private company promised a compensation package. This includes Rs 20 lakh and two jobs for family members of the deceased. The family has accepted this offer.
Mahalle clarified that this compensation is separate from statutory benefits. "This amount will be apart from the regular compensation, which includes insurance money, PF funds and pension payable to the family," he added.
Protests and Police Presence
On Monday, hundreds of striking workers gathered at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). This is where Ghodge's post-mortem was conducted. A strong police presence was maintained at the location to ensure order.
NMC officials asserted they are prepared for a prolonged disruption. Senior officials stated that additional manpower remains on standby. This precaution aims to prevent any potential public health issues arising from uncollected waste.
Workers Call for Safety Reforms
Beyond immediate compensation, the sanitation workers raised broader concerns. They demanded stricter safety checks and greater accountability from contractors. Their goal is to prevent similar tragic incidents from occurring in the future. The strike highlights ongoing issues of worker safety and contractual obligations within the city's waste management system.
