Congress leader Shyam Sundar Batra speaks on the ongoing sanitation workers’ strike.
Congress leader Batra urges immediate dialogue and settlement as sanitation workers’ strike enters 14th day; warns that prolonged disruption could worsen sanitation and public health concerns
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Congress leader Shyam Sundar Batra has strongly criticised the state government over the ongoing strike by sanitation workers, urging the government to take their legitimate demands seriously and initiate immediate dialogue to resolve the issue. He said sanitation workers are an essential part of the civic system and their concerns should not be ignored, particularly when their prolonged agitation is beginning to affect cleanliness and sanitation services across the city.
Batra said sanitation workers have been protesting for the past 14 days over their demands, but the government has so far failed to find a permanent solution to the dispute. He alleged that instead of addressing the workers’ grievances, the government was attempting to distance itself from the issue. He further claimed that assurances given to the employees by the government had not been implemented in the manner expected by the workers, leading to growing dissatisfaction among them.
According to Batra, the continuing strike has begun to have a visible impact on the city’s sanitation arrangements. Garbage is accumulating at several locations, creating an unpleasant environment for residents and increasing concerns about public hygiene. He said that sanitation workers normally perform their duties in difficult circumstances and play an important role in keeping residential areas, markets, roads and other public spaces clean.
The Congress leader said the present situation requires the government to adopt a sensitive and constructive approach rather than allowing the dispute to continue. He maintained that workers who are responsible for maintaining cleanliness should be heard with seriousness and their genuine concerns should be addressed through negotiations.
Batra expressed particular concern over the timing of the strike, pointing out that the rainy season itself creates additional challenges for civic authorities. Waterlogging, stagnant water and accumulated garbage can together create conditions favourable for the spread of various diseases. If regular sanitation operations remain disrupted for a prolonged period, he said, the situation could become more difficult for both the administration and the public.
He said the government should understand that the issue is not limited to the demands of sanitation workers alone. A prolonged disruption of sanitation services directly affects ordinary residents, shopkeepers, businesses, schools and other institutions. Clean surroundings and proper waste disposal are basic civic requirements, and any prolonged interruption can create wider public health and environmental concerns.
Batra urged the government to immediately call representatives of sanitation workers for talks and listen to their demands in a positive manner. He said that a negotiated settlement would be in the interest of both employees and the public. Rather than allowing workers to remain on the streets for weeks, the government should take practical steps to resolve the issues that have led to the agitation.
He also questioned the need for the dispute to continue when the consequences are being felt by the general public. According to him, employees should not be forced to continue protesting for an extended period to get their legitimate demands considered. He said the administration has the responsibility to maintain essential civic services while also ensuring that workers receive a fair hearing.
The Congress leader said sanitation workers should be treated with dignity and respect because their work directly contributes to public health and the cleanliness of the city. From collecting waste to maintaining public spaces, sanitation employees perform duties that are essential but often physically demanding. Their contribution becomes particularly important during the monsoon, when waste accumulation and stagnant water can create additional health risks.
Batra said the government should not view the workers’ protest merely as an administrative or labour issue. It should be approached as a matter involving civic services, workers’ welfare and public health. He urged officials and government representatives to engage with the employees and their representatives and identify practical solutions that can satisfy legitimate concerns while ensuring uninterrupted sanitation services.
He further said that the government’s previous assurances should be examined and implemented wherever commitments were made. If there are issues requiring administrative, financial or policy decisions, he said, the government should communicate clearly with the workers rather than allowing uncertainty to continue.
Batra appealed to sanitation workers to continue raising their concerns peacefully while urging the government to show flexibility and seriousness in negotiations. He said both sides should work towards ending the deadlock so that normal sanitation operations can resume at the earliest.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with sanitation workers and civic authorities during the period of disruption. Citizens, he said, should avoid throwing waste in open areas and should make every effort to maintain cleanliness around their homes and commercial establishments.
Batra reiterated that the responsibility for resolving the current situation rests primarily with the government. He said that if timely steps are taken, the dispute can be resolved through dialogue without allowing it to further affect the city’s sanitation system.
The Congress leader once again demanded that the government seriously and sympathetically consider the demands of sanitation workers, invite their representatives for meaningful negotiations and take immediate steps towards a permanent settlement. He said that keeping the issue unresolved for a long period would only increase difficulties for workers as well as residents.
He maintained that the government should focus on finding a balanced solution that protects the legitimate interests of sanitation workers while ensuring that citizens receive uninterrupted essential services. According to him, dialogue, mutual understanding and timely administrative action are the most effective ways to end the ongoing confrontation.
Batra concluded that sanitation workers are an indispensable part of the urban civic system and their contribution should be recognised. He urged the government to act without further delay, resolve the workers’ grievances and restore normal sanitation services across the city.
