………. Hope towards dignified life
AN INITATIVE OF NMC, CNI-SSI, AND CHF International
Church Of North India Social Service Institute has taken up the task to create awareness among the citizen of Nagpur city concerning the solid waste and related issues with the financial support from Gates Foundation through CHF, International [Community Habitat Finance]. Our project focuses on the livelihoods of waste pickers. CNI-SSI is working closely with health department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation in organizing health camps, street plays, Play Houses, skill training for alternative livelihood, self-help groups, safety kits, compost bins, demonstration of biogas plants and other development activities in and around Bhandewadi dump yard and in Nagpur city.
Basic objectives:
- To improve the working conditions of men and women at the dumping and other places of work.
- To enhance the income through collective sale and cooperatives.
- To create awareness among city dwellers on the importance and efficient management of municipal solid waste, particularly the segregation of household waste at source.
- To provide new skills to at least 500 youths for long term alternate employment opportunities.
“UMMEED” towards a dignified life, a project for the rag-pickers of Nagpur city was launched on 16th September 2008 at Bhandewadi dumping yard by the Municipal Commissioner, Shri Aseem Gupta.
It is very important to recognize that those who are already engaged in rag picking, segregation and selling of recyclable municipal waste materials have better experience and understanding of the waste generated in city and can effectively contribute to the municipal solid waste management on one hand and also improve their earning and living on the other. Rag pickers are the most vulnerable occupational group among the range of occupational groups of urban poor. Thus it is all the more important to look at their livelihoods in an integrated way as far as functioning of city is concerned.
The living condition back in their slums is also bad and would need sufficient improvement through their participation. The dwelling unit is used for living and sorting and storing the waste materials, increasing more threat to their health.
INTENSIVE ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR TWO YEARS:
- Formation of SHG groups and community Based Organisation (CBOs) to address the socio economic issues.
- Awareness campaign (city wide) on SWM and clean environment through street plays, essay and painting competitions in schools and bastis
- Crèche and play activities for kids ( Day care)
- Provision of safety kits, such as gloves, gum boots, iron rod masks and caps. [450 kits already distributed to rag pickers]
- Health awareness camps and specialized medical camps.
- Construction of shed for rest and sorting at the dump site
- Provision of safe drinking water, washing area, toilets etc at dump yard.
- Training for skill development for alternative employment opportunities for at least 500 youth within two years time.
- Management of Bio-waste through plants, and compost bins.
- Liaison and networking with resident welfare association, other NGOs and civil society groups in city.
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