Lucknow’s sanitation system is facing challenges as a result of the ongoing elections in Assam and West Bengal. Many sanitation workers residing in slums have returned to their hometowns with their families to participate in voting, causing a shortage of staff in the municipal corporation. To cope with this, the civic body is implementing double shifts and hiring additional laborers on a daily wage basis ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 to handle the increased workload.
The departure of a significant number of sanitation workers has led to locked homes and a sudden decrease in workers available for waste management services in Lucknow. This situation has disrupted garbage collection services in various areas, such as the Indira Nagar slum, where families have left to cast their votes, resulting in waste accumulation without prior notice.
Local residents, like Simran from Aliganj, have observed a temporary halt in garbage collection by both municipal and private collectors. Residents, like Suraj Kumar, have been informed by collectors about their absence for voting-related duties in Assam, leaving residents to manage waste independently. Consequently, garbage has accumulated in establishments like Suraj’s hotel, with uncertainty regarding the resumption of collection services.
The impact of the election on sanitation services is notable, with approximately 10,000 workers out of the usual 3,500 leaving for election-related responsibilities. Previous verification drives targeting individuals without Aadhaar cards have contributed to a pre-existing 60 to 70 per cent manpower shortfall. As a result, the daily garbage collection in Lucknow, which typically reaches 2,100 metric tonnes, has significantly decreased, visibly affecting the city’s cleanliness.
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal acknowledged the shortage caused by workers from Assam leaving to vote, emphasizing that drives against illegal migrants will persist. The current situation highlights the need for continued efforts to address the manpower deficit and maintain sanitation services in the city.