Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 01: A one-day Training and Awareness Program for Informal Waste Workers was held on 30.11.2024 (Saturday) at Junglighat Community Hall, Ward No. 13, Sri Vijaya Puram, under the project Integration and Social Inclusion of Waste Workers in Sri Vijaya Puram, supported by GIZ India. The initiative is a part of the Cities Combating Plastics Entering the Marine Environment (CCP-ME) project and was implemented by Sycom Projects Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
The training program aimed to enhance the social inclusion and livelihood of informal waste collectors, particularly women workers, by addressing their specific needs. The event was presided over by Mr. Sudeep Rai, Chairperson of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), who delivered a keynote address emphasizing the critical role of waste collectors in achieving sustainable waste management and improving urban sanitation. Senior officials from PBMC, Mr. Avinash Kumar Singh, Superintending Engineer, Sanitary Officer, Sr. Sanitary Officer & Junior Engineer (SBM-MIS), were also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the council’s commitment to supporting and integrating informal waste collectors into the formal waste management system.
Mr. Pradeep Dadlani, Director of Sycom Projects Consultants, presented the findings of a needs assessment survey conducted among waste collectors in the city. He highlighted the benefits of good waste management practices and discussed opportunities for improving their livelihood, health, and access to educational facilities for their families. The training covered regulatory frameworks, government schemes, and procedures to access benefits, with a focus on financial literacy. It also highlighted occupational health, safety protocols, and waste segregation practices, along with guidance on forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and utilizing local resources like Anganwadis and Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).
The event witnessed active participation from over 66 Safaimitras, who engaged in group discussions to address challenges related to gender, financial issues, and market linkages. Light refreshments were provided to all attendees. The second session of the training program will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Prothrapur Community Hall, Ward No. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This initiative aims to empower waste workers, enhance their quality of life, and promote sustainable waste management practices in Sri Vijaya Puram.
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