Pune's SWaCH Waste Pickers Adjust Schedules Amid Heatwave Guidelines
Now, SWaCH waste pickers to finish work by 12 noon in keeping with Maha’s heatwave guidelines
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In response to rising temperatures and delays in waste collection, waste pickers from SWaCH, India's largest waste picker cooperative, will now complete their work by 12 noon. This decision aims to protect workers from heat-related health risks as Pune experiences temperatures exceeding 40°C.
- 01SWaCH waste pickers will finish work by 12 noon to comply with heatwave guidelines.
- 0237% of Pune's waste collection points experience late vehicle arrivals, endangering workers.
- 03The majority of waste pickers are women facing health risks from extreme heat.
- 04Residents are encouraged to support waste pickers with water and shaded areas.
- 05SWaCH continues to provide doorstep waste collection services every morning.
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In light of the ongoing heatwave in Pune, where temperatures have been exceeding 40°C, waste pickers associated with SWaCH (Solid Waste Collection and Handling), the largest waste picker cooperative in India, will now conclude their daily work by 12 noon. This decision aligns with the Maharashtra state government's guidelines aimed at protecting informal workers from extreme heat. Internal data from SWaCH highlighted significant delays in waste collection, with 37% of Pune's 1,018 designated waste transfer points receiving collection vehicles late and 10% not receiving them at all. Neha Pawar, a waste picker, shared her struggles with the long wait times for collection vehicles, often leaving her exposed to the sun without access to shade or water. While this change may alter waste collection timings in various neighborhoods, SWaCH assures that morning doorstep collection will remain uninterrupted. The organization has also called on residents to assist waste pickers during this challenging time by providing water and shaded areas.
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This change aims to protect waste pickers from heat-related health issues, ensuring their safety while continuing essential waste collection services.
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