Mr. Naresh Nayak called for an end to the social stigma surrounding sanitation workers, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment. Ms. Bharati Das reflected on past practices, stating, "We once worked without precautions, but now our priority is safety and dignity. Wearing PPE earns us respect and recognition." The event highlighted BMC and CFAR’s commitment to improving workplace safety and social respect for sanitation workers, acknowledging their vital role in public health and sanitation.
Debandra Mohanty, Bajpayee Nagar Ward 16 said that in the past our settlement street light was not waking but now we are very happy that light was repair it
Minakhi Sahoo. Ward 16, said that in the past we didn't have a drainage system which's why we were living in a lot of trouble like water logging now we are happy that we have Drainage provision
Sabnam Bibi, Bajpayee Nagar,Ward 16 said that waste collection vehicle arriving regularly
Ms. Pratima Nayak encouraged her fellow workers to utilize the personal protective gear for their safety.
Ms. Sumati Dei, a Core Sanitation Worker, committed to using the PPE kit while working and educating other workers about its importance.
Mr. Rajkishore Jena, General Manager of FSMC Pvt. Ltd., discussed entrepreneurial skills and laws regarding the trade and work. He encouraged them to convert sludge into organic manure in partnership with the state government.
Mr. Ganesh Parida from Garima referred to Core Sanitation Workers as the nation's soldiers, stressing the need for them to wear safety equipment, including helmets, safety boots, eyewear, earplugs, masks, gloves, and protective clothing.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak, a sewerage line supervisor, noted that while PPE kits are provided, some workers are reluctant to wear them. He suggested that to find ways to strengthen compliance and if necessary, even take recourse to disincentives like fines so that the hesitation to adopt new practices is overcome.
Ms. Meghna Sahoo, Chairperson of the Third Gender Welfare Trust, acknowledged sanitation work as a vital social service and expressed solidarity with BMC, CFAR and Garima for enhancing safety of core sanitation workers. In this context, she highlighted the role of sexual and gender minorities in fecal sludge treatment plants, aiming to join forces with the core sanitation workers and together dismantling social stigma against the work in more ways than one.