Sanitation workers abstain from work

Even as the AAP ruled Delhi Government and BJP ruled civic bodies are tied in a slug fest over funds transfer, sanitation workers abstained from work in the National Capital adding to woes of the people due to piling up garbage and concerns over unhygienic conditions prevailing over a week.
Although the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, worst hit by the strike, has made arrangements for lifting of garbage through private means, many residential areas, narrow by lanes and main roads in East Delhi were littered with unattended garbage and filth.
Following the intervention of National Green Tribunal, the EDMC has managed removal of 1240 metric tonne of garbage although the temporary arrangements are inadequate due to huge quantity of garbage generated every day, said a senior municipal officer.

Till this evening 1450 metric tonne of garbage was sent to Ghazipur landfill site, the officer said.
In an attempt to spread the strike to North and South Municipal Corporation areas, the sanitation workers unions held protests at Saket (SDMC) and Ramesh Nagar (NDMC) localities today.
"Our strike is continuing although sanitation workers are being forced to join duty," claimed Rajender Mewati, general secretary of United Front of MCD Employees.

In an open letter published in newspapers today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal rejected claims that his government owed money to the three MCDs.
"The government has already paid the full amount to the corporations. Last year till October Rs 1859 crore was paid. This year Rs 2370 crore has been paid which is Rs 511 crore more than last year," he said.

On their part, the Mayors of the civic bodies accused him of "misguiding" the people over the funds issue.