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Scavengers Face Trash Shortage

Delhi may lose green credential by replacing ragpickers

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2007 7:05 PM CST

(Newser) – Delhi’s 300,000 ragpickers "are the original recyclers," the Economist reports—but their trade of mining trash for re-sellable goods is in trouble. The city, hoping to clean up for the 2010 Commonwealth games, has hired private companies to collect trash—and ragpickers, who save the city 600,000 rupees daily in waste disposal, are finding it harder to come by.

Mostly dalits, or "untouchables," the scavengers have lost earnings as the companies dump garbage in inaccessible bins. An advocate says that their $2.50 to $3.75 daily income is at stake, as is India’s bite-sized green reputation. “The government wants Mumbai to be modern, clean,” she said. “But it will take away the livelihoods of these people.”

Scavengers look through waste in India. (Getty Images)

Indian workers sort bottles for recycling at a yard in New Delhi. (Getty Images)

An Indian worker sorts plastic for recycling at a yard in this undated photo. (Getty Images)

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Scavengers Face Trash Shortage

Delhi may lose green credential by replacing ragpickers

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

recycling • India • Delhi • ragpickers • Commonwealth Games

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

60 Killed in Delhi Building Collapse

Arrest warrant issued for building's owner

Athletes' Condoms Clog Pipes in India

Commonwealth Games dealing with yet another problem

India Drafts Monkeys for Stadium Security

... against other monkeys

Delhi Film Fest Hit By Sex Harassment Charges

Female directors say festival was sham run by sleazy organizer

India Appeal Likens Gay Sex to Bestiality

Court ruling could recriminalize homosexuality

About Us

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Newser By Users

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