In one of a kind initiative, Surender Chauhan, Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, along with labourers, collected garbage from across the town amid an ongoing strike by Shimla Health, Beautification, Environment and Heritage (SEHB) Society workers, who are responsible for daily waste collection in the town.
As cleanliness and routine garbage collection in the town took a hit, the Mayor himself took charge of waste collection across various wards. On Saturday, he was seen along with labourers collecting garbage from households in Shimla. The initiative was widely appreciated by locals.
Chauhan said that nearly 90 per cent of the garbage was collected by him throughout the day. He added that labourers were immediately hired after the workers went on strike to ensure that waste collection in the city was not disrupted. He further said that the number of garbage collection vehicles would be increased from Monday, along with an expansion in the workforce.
“Sunday will be a rest day, however, this drive will continue in the town until the strike ends. The initiative has been taken to fulfil my responsibilities as the first citizen of the city. A focal point will also be set up for residents of inaccessible areas so that workers can collect waste from designated locations,” he said.
Speaking about the ongoing strike by the SEHB Society workers, the Mayor said he has assured them that their concerns will be heard and resolved by the corporation, for which an annual general meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for June 4. He also appealed to the workers to end their strike and resume duties.
