Haryana is facing an unprecedented sanitation crisis as municipal workers across the state, including districts like Karnal, Kaithal, Sirsa, Hisar, Kurukshetra, Bhiwani and Fatehabad, remain on strike. The protest, which has now entered its ninth day, has left streets, markets and public spaces littered with tonnes of uncollected garbage. The protesting workers are demanding permanent jobs, fair pay, risk allowances and restoration of old pension schemes. The government’s inaction, police interventions and tense standoffs have worsened the situation.
Why are the sanitation workers protesting?
The strike is driven by long-standing grievances. The workers want permanent employment and an end to contract-based jobs, which leave them insecure and underpaid. They also demand the old pension schemes be restored and risk allowances provided for the hazardous nature of their work. Union leaders claim that past government assurances were only partially implemented, fuelling frustration and anger among the workforce.
How long has the strike lasted & which areas are worst affected?
In Sirsa, the strike has continued for nine days. Other districts including Hisar, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Kaithal are also affected. Sirsa and Fatehabad, in particular, have seen massive garbage accumulation in markets, bus stands, residential colonies and streets, causing severe sanitation challenges and health risks.
How has the administration responded?
Authorities, with police support, have tried emergency garbage clearance drives using various machines and temporary workers. During these operations, tensions escalated, with workers blocking machinery, staging protests and briefly being detained. In Sirsa alone, one drive cleared approximately 200 tonnes of garbage, but nearly 1,100 tonnes remained uncollected. In Fatehabad, sit-ins have also disrupted the municipal office operations.
What are the public health & safety risks?
The accumulated waste has raised the risk of disease outbreaks, with mosquitoes and stray animals feeding on it. Residents report that some areas are now nearly uninhabitable, with garbage spilling onto roads, bus stands and markets. These conditions pose immediate dangers to both humans and animals.
What is the union’s future course of action?
The union leaders warn the strike will continue until their demands are fully met. They have threatened office lock-ins and continuous sit-ins if authorities attempt forced garbage removal. No official dialogue or resolution has been achieved yet, suggesting the crisis may continue for several more days unless the government engages in meaningful negotiations.
