Bengaluru sanitation workers seek rest and refreshment to work in heat

Bengaluru: The scorching heat this summer has made life difficult for the city's sanitation workers. With a significant portion of these workers being women, they claim that adequate rest or refreshment facilities are not provided by the administration.Seeking immediate action, the BBMP Pourakarmikara Sangha Monday submitted a letter to chief commissioner of Central City Corporation, Rajendra Cholan, stating that women pourakarmikas were working under scorching heat conditions from 6.30am to 2.30pm, often seven days a week without rest, and denied even national and festival holidays.Citing that outdoor workers have no access to rest shelters and that these conditions pose serious risks to their health, the union demanded that the civic authorities provide them half-day work waivers. Additionally, the union sought refreshment beverages, clean drinking water, oral rehydration salts and buttermilk daily, along with essentials such as eyeshades, caps, umbrellas and protective gear."Restrooms are not available in most places. These complications seriously affect workers' health and weaken them," said Nirmala M, president of the union.Though their grievance was addressed to Central City Corporation, pourakarmikas say the situation is same in all parts of the city. "Similar letters will be submitted to chief commissioners of all city corporations," they said.What Other Cities Have DoneIn Hyderabad, local police have installed mist fans, especially for traffic police who regulate thousands of vehicles in scorching heat. The pilot programme, set up at important junctions, sprays mist in the air around where traffic personnel stand.In Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation has put up green canopies for shade at about 40 junctions and landmarks across the city. These provide shade to motorists, vendors and gig workers. The city also has an air-conditioned lounge for those who work out in the sun. The lounge, equipped with Wi-Fi and drinking water facility, can accommodate up to 25 people at a time.In New Delhi, the state govt has started to install cold water dispensers in state-run DTC buses, allowing commuters to access it for free. The govt has also ordered outdoor work to halt between 12pm and 3pm when the mercury is at its peak.
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