We are living through a global humanitarian crisis inflicted by the COVID-19 virus (Corona) of a magnitude that has very few historical parallels. In such times, especially in countries with high population densities and even higher levels of social, economic, political and class inequalities like India, it is tragic that it has become reflexive to forget the most vulnerable. One such vital vulnerable community, among the vast multitudes of communities that constitute the true spine of the Indian economy, is the waste pickers community.
As a starting point, we are working with the communities of New Seemapuri, Jahangirpuri and other areas of Delhi, where waste pickers forge their livelihood by processing that which the society deems as refuse. In times of unprecedented crisis, vulnerable communities like the waste pickers are the first to be forgotten.
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So far, no concrete steps have been taken by anyone to even provide the most basic levels of security to the waste pickers, without whose continued daily efforts the city cannot function.
We kindly invite you to view this message from Sheikh Akbar Ali, Basti Suraksha Manch's community leader and organizer from New Seemapuri.
PAIGAM (People’s Association In Grassroots Action and Movements), in partnership with Basti Suraksha Manch's community leaders like Sheikh Akbar Ali, who lives in New Seemapuri and has been a community organizer for more than two decades, is trying to take the following steps
Provide a safety kit to each waste picker in New Seemapuri that will consist of a mask and a hand sanitizer.
