Ahead of International Labour Day on May 1, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) shared insights into its sanitation system. Over 18,000 sanitation workers in Ahmedabad manage more than 5,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. This workforce comprises 13,000 permanent workers and around 5,000 engaged through Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
More than 2,500 vehicles are utilized for waste collection and related activities in Ahmedabad. Sanitation operations cover various areas like Town Planning Scheme roads, main roads, residential localities, and markets. The routine includes daytime beat cleaning, afternoon group cleaning, and night-time operations in high footfall areas.
Sanitation workers are equipped with protective gear like masks, gloves, gumboots, uniforms, and reflector jackets. Regular health check-ups are mandatory every three months, with free treatment facilities available. The workers receive benefits equivalent to Class-4 municipal employees and are covered under group insurance schemes.
Safety protocols and training programs under the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ aim to enhance operational safety and skill development. During the Covid-19 pandemic, sanitation workers were treated as frontline workers, receiving vaccinations, personal protective equipment, and insurance coverage. The corporation has allocated housing units to around 2,200 sanitation workers under civic housing schemes.
AMC recognizes outstanding workers as ‘Best Safai Heroes’ weekly, promoting a culture of excellence. Citizens are urged to support sanitation efforts by segregating waste properly and adopting responsible disposal practices. Effective collaboration between residents and sanitation workers is crucial for maintaining urban cleanliness.
