Usmaan Shekh : India’s Heat Worsens Garbage Pickers’ Misery

The city of Jammu in India is facing a severe crisis as waste pickers brave scorching temperatures to eke out a living in hazardous conditions. The putrid stench of burning garbage permeates the air for miles around the landfill on the outskirts of the city, where waste pickers sift through mountains of rubbish to find items they can sell for a meager income.

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Despite the extreme heat and toxic fumes, individuals like 65-year-old Usmaan Shekh continue to toil in these perilous conditions to provide for their families. With temperatures soaring above 43 degrees Celsius, the risks faced by waste pickers have been exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

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Tragically, at least one waste picker has already lost their life to the recent heat wave in northern India, underscoring the dangers inherent in this line of work. The decomposition of garbage in landfills releases harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide, further endangering the health of those working in these environments.

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Experts warn that the summer months bring an increased risk of landfill fires, which can burn for days, exacerbating the already precarious conditions faced by waste pickers. Despite regulations mandating the segregation of hazardous waste, enforcement has been lax, leaving waste pickers vulnerable to health hazards.

Bharati Chaturvedi, founder of the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, highlights the dire situation faced by waste pickers, who are not only exposed to extreme heat but also suffer from social discrimination and poor working conditions. The impact of the heat wave on these vulnerable individuals has been devastating, with many struggling to survive.

Heat planning and public health experts stress the urgent need to provide waste pickers with access to water, shade, and medical care to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged heat exposure. Simple measures such as offering water to waste pickers working outdoors can make a significant difference in protecting their health and well-being.

As India grapples with the challenges posed by rising temperatures and the impact of climate change, it is imperative that measures are put in place to safeguard the lives of waste pickers who play a crucial role in managing the country’s waste. By prioritizing the welfare of these individuals, society can ensure a safer and healthier environment for all.