| JMC, UNDP-HCCB provide COVID-19 relief support to corona warriors | | |
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, June 3: The COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented lockdowns and phased unlocking in response has upset normal life everywhere and sent shockwaves through the formal and informal economy. Considering that waste management is an essential service, the multitude of municipal Safai Karamcharis and informal waste pickers, Safai Sathis, as known in “Project Prithvi” of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) and UNDP, continue to be on the forefront of the crisis.
Considering the high-risk environment that they work in, UNDP India and HCCB started a project entitled, ‘Plastic Waste Management Programme’ through its Implementing Partner, Regional and Urban Development Agency (RUDA). The project involves strengthening of municipal solid waste management through a socio-technical model, setting up of Swachhta Kendra (Material Recovery Facility) and supporting Safai Sathis through social inclusion and occupational safety training. Through the RUDA, the project provided Safai Sathis with social protection, safety net and access to basic services. In order to ensure the safety of safai sathis, trainings and awareness sessions were organized by the partner in various wards of Jammu Municipal Corporation. The project is also working towards creating opportunities for ‘economic response and recovery’ services. As part of this project, Safai Sathis are being sensitized on COVID-19 and its implications on daily lives. UNDP, HCCB and RUDA through the project have provided food and hygiene kits comprising rice, pulses, salt, spices, oil and vegetables to more than 400 Safai Sathi families in Jammu in order to assist the Government of India in their endeavour of ensuring that ‘No one will go hungry’ and ‘no one is left behind’.
Avny Lavassa, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation said, “Initiatives for SWM require immense support from civil society and I’m happy to acknowledge the role of UNDP in supporting JMC towards this end”
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