ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected on global level and the generation and management of solid waste will impact the environment and people dealing with solid waste. This study analyses the role of sanitary workers (popularly known as safaikamdars) during lockdown of 2020, it focusses on the difference in collection of municipal waste during the Covid-19 and prior to Covid-19. This study also assesses the effect of pandemic on livelihood of people involved in the municipal solid waste collection system to increase our understanding about how far we are from achieving sustainable livelihood. Discussion includes the precautionary steps in identifying the parameters for transmission of virus by handling solid waste, results of bio medical waste surge on present municipal disposal system and the steps taken to overcome the situation. The study shows challenges and problems faced by the safaikamdars during covid crisis across the cities of Ajmer, Ahmedabad, and Delhi (study conducted in one ward each of the three cities) and the changes observed by them in the community.
It focuses on awareness in people about corona virus and waste they are generating. The safaikamdars during their interview across the three cities said they have no health insurance cover, they received minimal training in handling the Covid waste. It is important to note that while working during the pandemic there was no noticeable behaviour change in the safaikamdars and they carried out their work with due diligence.
KEYWORDS: Safaikamdar‟s, Covid-19, Bio-medical waste, Municipal Solid Waste, Home Quarantine.
