Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Apr 18: In a proactive move to tackle monsoon-related challenges, the Udupi City Municipality (CMC) is set to hire 40 additional sanitation workers on an outsourced basis. This move aims to ensure smooth pre-monsoon desilting works and provide a swift response to emergencies during the rainy season.

With drains and canals across the municipality currently clogged with waste and silt, officials noted that cleaning them before the onset of the monsoon is a priority.

Recognising that the existing workforce of civic workers (pourakarmikas) is insufficient to handle the surge in workload, the municipality has decided to appoint these 40 additional personnel for a period of four months. The recruitment process is expected to be completed within the next 15 days.

The municipality currently faces a significant shortage of permanent staff. Out of the 193 sanctioned posts for pourakarmikas, only 106 are currently filled, leading to a strain on emergency services.

There are approximately 118 km of water-flowing storm-water drains within the city limits. While 64 km have already been cleared, work on the remaining 54 km is still pending and will be fast-tracked with the induction of the new staff.

The newly appointed workers will receive a monthly salary of Rs 20,131. To ensure their safety during hazardous cleaning operations, the municipality will provide essential gear including helmets, gumboots, gloves, raincoats, radium jackets, and tools such as pickaxes, machetes, and plastic baskets.

Helpline

CMC officials stated that the additional personnel are being brought in specifically for a four-month window to manage monsoon exigencies. They assured that the municipality is fully prepared to respond to any public grievances or rain-related incidents through their dedicated workforce.

In case of any rain-related disasters or emergencies, citizens have been encouraged to contact the municipal helpline at 0820-2520306.