Coronavirus Pune: How a SWaCH worker continues to combat all odds

Pune: Combating all odds during the coronavirus pandemic, Jana Dilip Kadam (35), a SWaCH worker, continues to serve the residents of densely populated lanes of Kalewadi Vasahat near Paud Road. From walking every day to her work area to carrying the heavy buckets, Kadam ensures that these difficulties should not stop her from fulfiling her responsibilities for the citizens.

THE BACKBONE OF CLEAN INDIA MISSION

Kadam, who has been working for the past five years with SWaCH, is a resident of Lokmanya Vasahat in Shastri Nagar. However, her workplace was not very far by bus, especially early in the day, when her work starts. 

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Since the coronavirus lockdown has been implemented, due to irregular transport, she has to walk the distance from her home to the workplace.

Despite all the odds, Kadam continues to serve the 300 residents of densely populated lanes of Kalewadi Vasahat. Off late, things have got more difficult for her with barricades everywhere, which are causing inconvenience for her and the likes who are finding it tough to pushcarts through in the lanes. To combat this, she is armed with large 80-litre buckets and bags and is jumping over hurdles and pushing the waste along.

FACING DIFFICULTY
She said, “There are barricades everywhere in the area and roads have been blocked which make it difficult for me to carry my pushcarts. Therefore, I have started using the bucket which I carry and move in the lanes to collect the garbage from the households.”

RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN
“However, it has become extremely exhausting for us to walk with such heavy buckets as we are dressed in jackets, gloves and masked in this scorching heat. However, it is my responsibility to keep the city clean, as piled up waste can give rise to more health emergencies and hence, I ensure that the work is not stalled because of any reason,” she added. 

Kadam, who is facing a discourtesy from her neighbours, continues to serve. 

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FACES APATHY
Understandably, Kadam's family members are anxious and that seeps into the neighbours as well. 

Talking about their plight, she adds, “My family does not want me to go out as there is serious health emergency due to coronavirus. Some of my neighbours also showed displeasure against my work as they feel that since I am going out every day, I may be the carrier of the virus for them.”

“I do understand the importance of my work and especially at a time when we all are fighting with such a deadliest disease like coronavirus,” 

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NOT BEING PAID
However, the residents of Kalewadi Vasahat are unable to pay the dues to Kadam because of the ongoing lockdown, but she continues to serve them.

“Many residents of that lane are unable to pay as they are facing financial problems. Even I have a family of five members and to keep them afloat, it becomes difficult for me to manage household expenses. However, I understand that this problem is momentary, and I cannot let my work affect due to this as it is of utmost importance,” Kadam concludes.