Safai Sathis: Unsung heroes who keep Dharamsala clean

Every day at 7 am, a team of 250 workers, known as ‘Safai Sathis’, embarks on a mission to keep the town of Dharamsala spotless. As the city sleeps, these diligent workers, employed by the Mumbai-based ‘Vishal Protection Force’ on behalf of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (DMC), begin their day collecting, segregating and disposing of waste. From early morning until 4 pm, with only an hour’s break, they tirelessly manage the city’s garbage, ensuring that waste is properly collected and transported to the designated dumping site.

To handle Dharamsala’s rising waste, spread across 17 wards, the company has deployed 22 supervisors and 27 vehicles. These young workers navigate the town, gathering garbage from each household and managing heaps of waste in heavily trafficked areas, especially those frequented by tourists, where trash accumulates quickly. Despite the challenges, they continue to work diligently to keep the city clean.

Joint Commissioner of the DMC, Surinder Katoch, expressed the corporation’s appreciation for these workers. He noted that the Safai Sathis receive provident fund benefits, with a 25% contribution split between the employer and employee. Additionally, the DMC provides them with regular health check-ups, medical reimbursement, uniforms and plans to distribute jackets to help them withstand Dharamsala’s cold winters.

However, despite their essential work, many Safai Sathis live in difficult conditions. Vicky, one of the workers, resides in a slum on the outskirts of Dharamsala in Sarah, where he lacks access to basic amenities. Like him, many others live in temporary shelters near land used for animal burial, making the area foul-smelling and unsanitary. The lack of clean water, sanitation, and other essentials exposes them to various health risks.

The DMC has made some attempts to address this issue by securing housing for 31 families under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP), an initiative by the Government of India. However, this support is far from enough, highlighting the need for more substantial efforts to improve the living conditions of these workers who contribute so significantly to the city’s cleanliness.