Protect civic workers
BENGALURU
With summer temperatures soaring, sanitation workers in the city have urged civic authorities to provide basic relief measures, citing harsh working conditions and lack of essential facilities.
The BBMP Pourakarmikara Sangha has submitted a representation to Chief Commissioner Rajendra Cholan, highlighting that pourakarmikas—many of them women—work from 6.30 am to 2.30 pm in intense heat, often without weekly offs or public holidays.
Union leaders said workers are denied access to rest shelters, clean drinking water and toilets, exposing them to severe health risks. “These conditions weaken workers and affect their well-being,” said M. Nirmala, president of the union. The Sangha has demanded half-day work waivers during peak heat hours and the provision of refreshments such as buttermilk, oral rehydration salts and safe drinking water.
In addition, workers have sought protective gear including caps, umbrellas, eye shields and appropriate uniforms to cope with rising temperatures. They also flagged the absence of basic infrastructure like restrooms across work zones.
Though the representation was submitted to the central zone, workers said similar conditions prevail across the city and plan to submit petitions to other civic bodies.
Activists pointed out that other cities have adopted measures to protect outdoor workers. In Hyderabad, mist fans have been installed at key junctions to provide relief to traffic personnel. Chennai has introduced shaded green canopies and air-conditioned rest lounges for workers exposed to the sun. In New Delhi, authorities have installed cold water dispensers in public buses and restricted outdoor work during peak afternoon hours.
Workers and unions in Bengaluru are now urging authorities to adopt similar measures to safeguard the health and dignity of sanitation staff, who remain on the frontlines of urban maintenance despite challenging conditions.