(VI. Contd/-) We normally do not understand deadly nature of methane gas- an outcome of human-waste. Add to that umpteen no. of diseases that can emanate to which scavengers are exposed. Hence, "safety first"; vital mechanization etc should be basic MANTRAS for them. 5. Lastly, people/ medical field experts in populated areas neglect dangers of medical-wastes."They are deadly"! Think of used-syringes getting re-circulated/havoc caused by used-clothes/bandage of infected patients in public-space.

(V.Contd./-) Thus, we have to handle, i. human-waste ; ii. Open-drains; iii. Domestic wastes; iv. Treatments & harvest of wealth from waste. Here comes the TOPIC under DISCUSSION! "Scavenging as is done now, is inhuman!" Once affordable mechanization with protective-gears are added, it assumes a respectable job-profile! We need not go to dislodge scavengers- we need to add safety and dignity similar to that of factory-workers (i.e., HERE-AND-NOW issue). 5. Some of the jobs may be done in nights.

(IV. Contd./-) 3. Domestic wastes are next. Though source-segregation is often advocated, it's never done. I saw at one exhibition, functional incinerators/ waste-digesters/bio-gas plants/ recycling methods etc. Now, what can be cheaper ways? By marrying Septic-tanks and bacterial faster digestion & degradation of human wastes to produce gas and manure locally - on small-scale, can usefully be harvested at source. Or, multiple medium size-centralized plants to get bye-products( a la B'lore expt)

(III.Contd/) 2. Convert all open drains to closed ones- Here, I recommend standardized channels of say, 1/1 1/2, 2 , 2 1/2 feet widths with 2 to 3 feet perfect geom. shaped concrete-structures with snugly fixed slabs. The sludge that collects can be simply gathered by running appropriately sized 4-wheeled buggy over channel with mechanized-bucket-system to load it on to vehicles with tilting-hoppers that will drain sludge at central treatment points.(Central treatment plants for waste-to-wealth)

(II. Contd/-) Now, we have to define problems and find ways to overcome them. As I see, the Problems are: 1. Non-cooperation of citizens/ civic-bodies. 2. Presently, non-existent alternate ways for human-wastes disposal. 3. Open sewage-system everywhere. 4. Others like non-segregation, plastic-menace etc. 5. Open-toilets ( Issue has now caught attention of rulers- GOOD!). Possible Solutions.1. Find ways to usefully convert wastes to wealth at waste-generation points.( As in TN's pilot project)

Look closely at 'Safai Karmacharis'. They are handicapped in multiple ways, compared to others due to neglect & huge back-log. The "Rehabilitation" must follow "Release" from present job. Central Govt. alone can do nothing. Individual civic authorities must be asked to do it-again here, I advice Carrot & Stick policy- with firm caution to them on deprivation of funds if they don't act. We Indians are always adept in taking things, easy/ or, in taking short-cuts. "START FROM WHERE IT MUST START!"

This could be done in two ways. Firstly, we can use them as they are i.e. unskilled. By giving them employment in various govt sectors like railways, bus stand, govt offices etc. Secondly, by developing some kind of basic skill in them like tailoring, carpeting, plumbing etc. For this, we have to motivate them to look beyond scavenging and this is the most important aspect. It requires great efforts both from govt and common people, NGOs etc.

Bonus Act Basic Rs 10,000 need to be increased to Rs 15,000 because to escape from bonus act companies keep basic at Rs 10,100.

These people may be engaged as the unskilled workers. Their skill of cleaning may be utilized in commercial complex, offices or at home. They may clean the households as lights, fans, floors, roofs, doors, windows, furniture etc. Job of dusting may be done by them in houses, offices, shops etc.

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