The local bodies’ unions have finally called off their strike. While the employees of the local bodies were on strike the common people had to suffer. As a consequence, garbage was strewn on the streets uncollected. They posed a serious health hazard apart from emitting odious stench.

The employees did not allow private garbage collectors to collect and dump the garbage as a result of which the police had to intervene and dispose the garbage. There was controversy as to whether to allow the police to collect the garbage, as they would be interfering with the work of the garbage collectors. Anyhow, the public could breathe a sigh a relief.
The city planners should learn from this so that this type of incident is not repeated in the future. There should be regulations prohibiting the local bodies’ employees carrying out essential services such as the disposal of garbage from striking. The authorities should be very strict about the rule and see to it that it is strictly implemented without any loophole, for the sake of public good.

By: Roshan Kayastha, via e-mail

Source: The Himalayan Times, February 3, 2010