Ramanand Bagh, located in the heart of Amritsar’s Guru city, Ward No. 48, is an area facing common urban challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal. In the midst of this emerges an unlikely hero Shatrudhan, an informal waste picker, who arrived in Amritsar from Patna, Bihar, 18 years ago in search of livelihood. He encountered numerous challenges in finding work, starting from picking waste on the streets to eventually becoming a waste picker in Gali Bagh Ramanand, Ward No. 48. For 12 years, he has been collecting waste from the houses of Gali Ramanand. However, his efforts were often hindered by the careless disposal habits of residents, causing inconvenience and danger.
Shatrudhan faced multifaceted challenges in his effort to keep Ramanand Bagh clean:
- Hazardous working conditions due to waste thrown from rooftops.
- Difficulty in managing scattered garbage, hindering effective waste collection.
- Lack of community awareness and cooperation regarding proper waste disposal.
In December 2023, the FINILOOP team learned about Shatrudhan’s plight and took immediate action. By January 2024, they had Shatrudhan on board, recognizing the need for community-driven solutions to waste management issues. The team initiated a grassroots campaign, organized community meeting, going door-to-door in Ramanand Bagh to mobilized residents about responsible waste disposal practices. Despite facing criticism from some residents, the team persisted in its efforts. Gradually, through FINILOOP’s initiatives, the cleanliness of Bagh Ramanand Gali began to improve. Those who previously disposed of more garbage were informed about the harm caused by mixed waste on the streets. Eventually, a Mohalla Samiti was formed in Gali Bagh Ramanand, marking a crucial step towards community participation in waste management.
The formation of the Mohalla Sudhar Samiti brought about a significant change in the behavior of residents. Those who had previously spoken ill of Shatrudhan and viewed him as merely a waste picker now interact with him with humility and respect.
Recognition and appreciation: Shatrughan’s dedication and cooperation with the community were celebrated on International Waste Pickers Day on March 1, 2024. The Mohalla Committee and residents felicitated him for his tireless efforts in keeping the locality clean.
With community support, Shatrudhan transitioned from collecting mixed waste to collecting wet and dry waste separately. This not only streamlined the waste management process but also saved time, allowing him to spend more quality time with his family.