Gurugram sanitation strike enters day 10, garbage piles up

Gurugram's garbage crisis has worsened as the sanitation workers' strike entered its 10th day on Saturday. The Hindustan Times reports that the protesters, led by the Haryana Sarv Karamchari Sangh, have extended their agitation till August 18 and warned of an indefinite strike if the Haryana government does not meet their demands.

The workers demand reinstatement of nearly 3,500 laid-off employees, regularisation of contractual staff, an end to outsourcing of sanitation and sewer work, and recruitment against vacant posts. Union president Basant Kumar said the May 13 agreement remains unfulfilled, adding that contractual workers earn only Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 a month after 20, 25 years. Residents across sectors, including Sadar Bazar, reported uncollected garbage mixing with monsoon rainwater, causing foul smells and obstructing pedestrians.

A senior MCG official, who declined to be named, acknowledged the manpower shortage and said available workers had been deployed across the city. The Hindustan Times notes that the protest will continue until the demands are met, with the next deadline set for August 18.