Residents initiate fundraising campaign for unsung heroes

Not all superheroes wear capes; some wear masks, hold brooms and carry barrels of piling garbage. They go about working and cleaning tirelessly for the sake of their city, which they call their home. With COVID-19 pushing half of the world to be in the comforts of their home, there are those who despite the risk of exposure get down to the streets every day to make sure basic hygiene is intact. Thousands of these conservancy workers are convinced that it is their duty to help the people in the city. Be it the floods or crisis like coronavirus, these foot soldiers of Chennai are determined to clean up every mess, putting aside all the dangers and risks.

In an attempt to support these labourers and to help them tackle the ongoing pandemic, the civic body of Chennai is taking extraordinary measures to safeguard them. They are working closely with the service provider, to provide workers with sanitisers, gloves, and disposable masks. Adding a little bit of love and respect to it, the residents of Zone 13 Chennai have come forward to start a fundraiser to help these people in the time of crisis.

Archana Hari, one of the campaign organisers tells us, “Conservancy workers have been putting themselves at risk with higher exposure. They clear our garbage, sweep our roads and even manage segregated waste. While we have the choice of working from home, these people have to come out and work. They do it without even raising any complaints. It is because of people like them our area stays clean and our kids can live in a safe environment in such a hazardous situation. They are our unsung heroes and residents from Zone 13 decided to do our bit for them. So, we came together and started a fundraising campaign in Milaap.”

She says that the amount raised will be sent directly to the bank accounts of these conservancy workers who do endless work to protect the city and its people. “Many of the workers are contract employees and their salaries only lend a hand-to-mouth existence. They don’t have a pension or additional savings every month. When we discussed the fundraising campaign with Dr Alby John IAS, he provided us with all the details,” she adds.

After coming to know about Zone 13 residents’ noble act, many from other zones have reached out to the campaign organisers. “If other zones and associations can do something similar, it would help conservancy workers. We are sure that every little amount of contribution will put a smile on the face of conservancy workers who keep the city clean,” remarks Archana.