Pune: Waste collection workers at a municipal waste segregation center near the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway in Balewadi are facing severe health risks due to poor working conditions exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has erected a large metal shed at the site for waste sorting and collection, but water accumulation inside the shed has rendered it unusable, forcing workers to sit in the open and sort waste in the rain.
The situation has led to numerous complaints from workers, who are now struggling with various health issues, including skin diseases, fever, colds, coughs, and even dengue.
"We have been working in these harsh conditions for over a month, and the administration has done nothing to address our concerns," said Ratan Jadhav, one of the waste pickers at the site. "We haven't even received raincoats, and whatever little we earn goes straight to medical bills."
The site, which collects around 12 tons of waste daily, has also become a breeding ground for disease due to the irregular collection of garbage. Trucks often arrive late, leading to large piles of waste and a foul stench spreading throughout the area.
"The vehicle drivers who come to collect the waste often shout at us and use abusive language, as if we are to blame for the delays," complained Sachin Waghmare, another waste picker.
Residents in the area are also affected by the situation. "There are always heaps of garbage here, causing a foul smell. The place is only cleaned when there's a big event at the Mhalunge-Balewadi stadium or if a minister is expected to visit. Otherwise, it's impossible to move around here," said Santosh Balwadkar, a local resident.
Despite multiple complaints, the PMC has not taken adequate measures to address the issues. Workers report that gravel was brought in twice to cover the mud but was never spread properly, leaving the area still difficult to navigate. The administration has only recently begun spreading gravel at the site, but progress has been slow.
"We are aware of the situation and are working to resolve it," said Vijay Bhoir, Senior Health Inspector at the Aundh-Baner Regional Office. "There have been some technical issues with the waste plant, causing delays in garbage collection. We are making alternative arrangements to ensure the waste is cleared promptly."
Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management, Sandeep Kadam, assured that instructions have been given to expedite the necessary work at the site. "We have started spreading gravel to prevent further mud accumulation, and we will complete the work as quickly as possible," he said.
However, for the waste workers who continue to toil in knee-deep mud and rain, these assurances are little comfort. "We are human beings, not animals," said Lata Adgale, another waste picker. "We collect your garbage, but no one seems to care about our health and safety."
