New Delhi, August 27: Gramin Vikas Trust (GVT), in collaboration with SMBC, distributed safety kits to 25 waste workers at Katwaria Sarai under its ongoing e-waste management initiative. MCD Lado Sarai Councillor Shri Rajeev Chaudhary attended the program and handed over the kits, which included gloves, masks, jackets, goggles and safety shoes.
The initiative aims to safeguard the health and dignity of informal waste workers, most of whom handle toxic substances like lead, cadmium and mercury without protective gear. India generates over 3.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually, with a large portion processed in unsafe conditions. GVT’s program focuses on training, upskilling and integrating workers into safer recycling practices to ensure both environmental sustainability and worker welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Councillor Chaudhary lauded the initiative saying: “Our waste workers are the backbone of our cleanliness system and yet their own safety often remains neglected. Providing them with training, recognition, and protective equipment is a moral responsibility as well as a practical step towards a healthier Delhi.”
“I deeply appreciate the commitment of Gramin Vikas Trust and SMBC in taking this important initiative forward,” he added.
As part of its e-waste management initiative, Gramin Vikas Trust (GVT) with SMBC is not only distributing safety kits but also training workers in safe dismantling, segregation and use of protective gear. The program will link workers to formal recycling systems and soon introduce a digital platform for authorized e-waste collection.
To ensure dignity and welfare, the initiative will provide life and accidental insurance to workers and organize exposure visits to advanced recycling facilities, helping them gain skills, confidence and safer work practices.
Speaking on behalf of GVT, a senior representative stated: “This initiative reflects our vision of creating an inclusive model of development where every worker has dignity, safety, and opportunities for growth. Waste workers play a critical role in maintaining urban hygiene and managing waste streams. By equipping them with knowledge, safety kits, insurance, and opportunities for exposure to better practices, we are building both human capacity and environmental sustainability.”
The project meanwhile, will now be aimed towards scaling their e-waste initiative with more training, safety kit distribution and awareness drives across Delhi-NCR. Workers will also get life and accidental insurance, along with exposure visits to advanced recycling facilities.
At the recent safety kit distribution for 25 trained workers, the program was highlighted as a step towards safer, inclusive and sustainable waste management. Councillor Rajeev Chaudhary said a sustainable city must care for those who keep it clean.
