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ESMA fails to end Shimla Garbage crisis as SEHB Strike continues
Shimla, May 15,
The Garbage collection across the city remained severely disrupted on Friday as workers of the SEHB Society Welfare Workers Union continued their indefinite strike despite the district administration invoking the Himachal Pradesh Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1973 against them.
The strike, which has paralysed door-to-door garbage collection in the state capital for nearly two weeks, has led to mounting heaps of waste in several parts of the city, raising serious concerns over sanitation, hygiene and public health during the peak summer tourist season.
Residents complained that municipal waste remained uncollected in many localities while the Municipal Corporation Shimla’s garbage dues collection website was also reportedly not functioning.
In a strong administrative response, District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap issued an order on May 14 prohibiting any agitation or strike by SEHB workers under Section 4 of ESMA.
The order stated that SEHB Society has been the sole agency handling door-to-door garbage collection, lifting and disposal in Shimla since 2010 and any disruption in services could pose a grave threat to public health and environmental safety.
The order further directed workers not to disobey lawful instructions, abandon employment or absent themselves from duty, warning that violations would invite legal action under the provisions of ESMA.
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However, defying the administration’s order, workers continued their protest outside the Municipal Corporation office near the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday and did not return to work. Several trade unions affiliated with Centre of Indian Trade Unions joined the demonstration in support of the striking workers.
CITU state secretary Vijender Mehra accused the Municipal Corporation and district administration of attempting to suppress the labour movement instead of resolving workers’ grievances and implementing labour laws. Protesters alleged that the workers had already served a 14-day strike notice as per legal provisions and termed the imposition of ESMA an “anti-worker” move.
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