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Chintan in the News
Surviving on Scrap
Scrap, Oct edition 2009
The life and times of wastepickers in Delhi is explored in depth in this editorial
that appeared in "scrap" a leading magazine on waste and waste management.
Issues such as health, spaces for segregation, and access to livelihood have been
discussed along with the shortcomings of solutions like privatization.
The author quotes research done by Chintan in this article.
A Scrap of Decency
New York Times, Aug 4th 2009, Op-Ed written by Bharati Chaturvedi
In an op-ed in NYTimes, Bharati Chaturvedi, director of Chintan has explored
how recession and a crash in scrap prices have affected waste recyclers and the
informal recycling industry at large in Delhi and around the world. How can we
help them survive this global fall? A few suggestions are offered.
For a detailed report on this situation please read
Scrap Crash
The news article was also translated in
Arabic for an Egyptian newspaper
Contract Killers
Down to Earth, July 29th 2009
With the help of Chintan staff, the reporter unearths the garbage mafia working
in the Eastern outskirts of Delhi at Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh). So called
contractors in Sihani Chungi extract money from poor waste recyclers who are
otherwise faced with losing their livelihoods.
Sheila takes on Jairam over plastic bags ban
Times of India, July 10th 2009
The Chief Minister has placed a ban on plastic bags in the capital, but the
Minister of State for Environment and Forests has been less than enthusiastic
and has questioned the purpose of the ban. Bharati Chaturvedi explains that the
civic concern over petroleum in plastics is the reason to ban it. However fiscal
incentives to alternative materials are required to complete the loop for
effective implementation of the ban.
Poor Pay Price of Progress in India
Toronto Star, April 9th 2009
Toronto star explores the effects of privatization on the wastepicker community
in New Delhi. Bharati Chaturvedi of Chintan says that creating an image of
modern India during common wealth games has taken precedence over the
livelihood of poor.
Slumdog's "Dirt"
Indian Express, February 4th 2009
The success of the film Slugdog Millionaire has called attention to the millions of
impoverished, particularly waste recyclers who are considered "dirty". Chintan's
research quoted in the article dispels the myth that waste recyclers live in filth
not out of choice but due to the lack of facilities.
Archives
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Events
Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation helps Mafia to steal from wastepickers
From 2008, wastepickers of the Ghaziabad have been forced to pay an
illegal amount of Rs. 400-600 per month to a contractor, M/S Chand
Qureshi, in exchange for being allowed to pick waste. In March, this
was stopped after the Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Ajay Shankar Pandey,
agreed that this was a gross malpractice. However, extortion continues
and more recently wastepickers in another part of Ghaziabad called
Sihani Chungi were able to file an FIR after several attempts. GMC has
unfortunately sided with contractors and allowed them to collect
unspecified amounts per month from wastepickers. This however they can
do only if wastepickers do not sell their scrap to the contractors who
are required to pay wastepickers 25% above market prices. How is this
monitored? And where are these market prices advertised? We conclude
this is a corruption scandal.
Press Release
History of Events
No Child in Trash celebrates Independence Day
On Aug 14th students in Nizaumuddin and Seemapuri participated in a cultural program.
Children sang look geet, did role plays and got to know and celebrate India's fight for independence.
 Children in Nizamuddin, New Delhi
 Young patriots at Seemapuri
Health Camp at Takia Kale Khan
Sept 11th 2009
Sponsor - Mr Verma
148 children, 35 women and 15 men attended the health camp at TKK
(Takia Kale Khan). Dr. Satish Upadhyay checked on the kindergartners
first. Then it was the turn of the kids from our Padho aur Samjho and
Community Library students. Besides diagnosing ailments, the doctors
gave free medicine and advice on prevention. The Community said they
would like a monthly health camp.
This is how wastepicker faired
 Health camp at TKK
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