Waste Pickers Behind ‘Whimsical Fair’

Waste picker at Surajkund

“We pick up trash,” replies Usha who was one of the two women collecting and picking up food wrappers in big polythene bags under the scorching sun and swirling dusty winds in Surajkund Fair in Faridabad. The two women suddenly became conscious after seeing their photos clicked.

The Surajkund International Crafts Mela this year witnessed plenty of visitors. Though the artisans at the fair are praised for displaying their excellent craftsmanship, the unsung heroes of the Mela like Usha who maintain the fair neat and clean are hardly noticed.

Usha and Shobha had been doing the job since the opening day of the fair, 2nd  February 2024. “We came here on 30th January, and will be working till 18th February”, the two women said.

Though the visitors’ gatherings start at around 10 am, the waste pickers reach the venue daily at around 6:30 early morning. They work till 7 pm when the fair closes.

Talking to Usha revealed that there is a whole team that works day and night to keep the fair area clean. All the staff including waste pickers inside the fair are hired under the Ministry of Tourism.

“The Ministry hires us directly and sometimes our neighbors recommend our names and inform us”, she said. As far as wages are concerned, Shobha said that they get Rs. 400 per day. “Either we can take the payment monthly or daily”, she added. 

Usha and Shobha further said that they do the job as per their wish. “If we feel like doing it, if we find it suitable, we do it”, they said. The two women refused to accept any pressure forcing them to pick this as a job.

People like Usha and Shoba are picking up these jobs willfully reiterating the breaking of the stigma associated with picking and disposing of wastes. 

But sadly, contrary to this, some visitors hardly take the responsibility to keep the area clean and keep throwing biscuit wrappers on the grounds of the fair.