Delhi civic workers continue protest, block roads

The strike called by civic employees in the national capital over non-payment of their salaries continued for the eighth day on Wednesday with thousands of workers blocking major roads and creating traffic jams and inconveniencing commuters.

The sanitation workers staged demonstrations on major roads in Delhi, including the National Highways that skirt it. Among others, traffic was blocked on east Delhi's Vikas Marg, inconveniencing commuters.

Hospitals and schools run by civic bodies were also affected as doctors, hospital staff, teachers and school employees joined the protest.

Protestors dumped garbage on roads and set ablaze tyres at various places. With uncollected garbage strewn along roads, an overpowering stench pervaded most municipal areas.

Employees of Delhi's three civic bodies -- the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation and East Delhi Municipal Corporation -- are protesting against the non-payment of salaries, directing their ire at both the Delhi and central governments.

The national capital also has two other civic bodies -- the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board. Their workers are not part of the ongoing stir.