Usmaan Shekh : “India’s Garbage Pickers: Extreme Heat Increases Risks”

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The noxious odour of burning garbage drifts across the city of Jammu, emanating from the landfill on its outskirts. This landfill serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by waste pickers who sift through the waste to earn a meagre living amidst hazardous conditions. The city’s population of approximately 740,000 contributes to the mounting piles of plastics, industrial waste, medical waste, and more, creating a toxic environment for those who depend on scavenging for survival.

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Despite the sweltering heat and acrid fumes, a few resilient waste pickers brave the harsh conditions to search for items they can sell, earning a daily income that barely reaches $4. Among them is 65-year-old Usmaan Shekh, who expressed, “If we don’t do this, we don’t get any food to eat. We try to take a break for a few minutes when it gets too hot, but mostly we just continue till we can’t.”

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Shekh’s story is not unique, as an estimated 1.5 million to 4 million individuals across India engage in waste picking as a means of livelihood. However, the job has become increasingly perilous due to the impacts of climate change. In Jammu, located in the Himalayan foothills, soaring temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius have become the norm during the summer months.

Challenges Faced by Waste Pickers

The hazardous nature of waste picking is exacerbated by the decomposition of garbage in landfills, leading to the emission of harmful gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Additionally, the scorching heat accelerates this decomposition process, resulting in landfill fires that pose a significant risk to the health of waste pickers. Tragically, some individuals have succumbed to heat-related illnesses while working in these conditions.

During a visit to the Jammu landfill, small fires could be seen scattered throughout the massive waste pile, releasing plumes of smoke into the air. Despite the dangers, waste pickers, including young children like 6-year-old Arjun, continue their scavenging activities in search of items to sell. The scene is a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by those who rely on waste picking for their livelihood.

India grapples with the challenge of managing over 62 million tons of waste annually, with some landfills resembling mountains of garbage. While regulations exist to segregate hazardous waste from landfills, enforcement remains lax, further endangering the lives of waste pickers.

Addressing the Vulnerabilities of Waste Pickers

Bharati Chaturvedi, the founder of the New Delhi-based Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, highlighted the dire situation faced by waste pickers. She emphasised the need for providing access to clean water, shade, and medical care to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat exposure. Chaturvedi underscored the importance of implementing heat action plans and ensuring the well-being of waste pickers, who are among the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Abhiyant Tiwari, leading the climate resilience team at the Natural Resources Defense Council’s India programme, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the societal responsibility to protect waste pickers. Tiwari stressed the significance of simple gestures, such as offering water to waste pickers working outdoors, to alleviate their suffering during the scorching summer months.

As the heatwave intensifies, waste pickers like Geeta Devi in New Delhi persevere through challenging conditions to provide for their families. Despite the hardships, their resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those on the frontline of waste management in India.