Bhopal’s sanitation workers’ strike has disrupted civic services across the city, leaving an estimated 2,550 tonnes of garbage piled up on roads and in residential areas. The disruption has also affected water supply in several localities.
The strike, which entered its third day on Friday, involves around 6,000 municipal employees. Workers are demanding an increase in their monthly salary from Rs 10,500 to Rs 25,000, along with regularisation of jobs, compassionate appointments and an end to the contract system.
Garbage has accumulated in several areas, including Char Imli, Kolar Road, Atal Path, markets and neighbourhoods. The situation has also affected areas near major government offices. Reports of people burning accumulated waste have raised concerns about air pollution.
More than 400 garbage collection vehicles have reportedly remained off the roads, disrupting daily waste collection. Bhopal generates around 850 tonnes of garbage every day.
Water supply has also been affected, with employees stopping tanker operations and disrupting some supply points. The city has more than 230,000 household water connections, although a major citywide shortage has not been reported.
The municipal commissioner has invited union representatives for talks in an effort to resolve the dispute. However, differences between employee groups could complicate negotiations.
The strike has also affected sanitation services in other Madhya Pradesh cities, including Shivpuri and Vidisha.
Residents continue to face inconvenience as talks between the workers and the authorities remain crucial to restoring essential civic services.
