Chandigarh Signs Deal to Formalize Waste Collection

Ten waste collectors in Chandigarh signed official agreements with the Municipal Corporation this week, transforming informal work into recognized employment with safety protections and clear responsibilities.

The ceremony brought together Mayor Saurabh Joshi, city commissioners, and workers like Sonia, Mukesh, and Kavita who collect waste door-to-door from commercial establishments. Each received safety kits with masks, gloves, and cleaning tools to protect them while working.

The formal agreement sets clear standards for the job. Workers must collect waste scientifically, ensure businesses separate garbage at the source into wet, dry, and hazardous categories, and follow strict hygiene protocols under India's nationwide Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission.

The city organized training sessions to teach proper waste handling techniques. Workers learned how to safely manage different types of garbage and protect both public health and the environment while doing their jobs.

The Ripple Effect

This formalization does more than paperwork. It brings dignity to essential workers who keep cities running, creating accountability on both sides.

Commercial establishments now have clear expectations for waste segregation. Workers gain job security, safety equipment, and official recognition for their critical role in urban sanitation.

Mayor Joshi emphasized that source segregation makes all the difference in effective waste processing. He appealed to businesses and residents to follow the rules seriously, recognizing that waste management only works when everyone participates.

Commissioner Amit Kumar reinforced that achieving a truly clean, healthy Chandigarh requires active participation from citizens, businesses, and waste collectors working together. The partnership model shows how cities can professionalize essential services while protecting worker welfare.

Chandigarh already ranks as one of India's cleanest cities, and this formalization strengthens that foundation with better systems and protected workers.