Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Hyderabad Workers Protest Privatisation of Garbage Collection
Garbage collection workers in Hyderabad protested against a plan involving a private company.
They said the change could threaten their jobs and affect many families.
Women who collect garbage also joined the protest.
The workers want garbage collection to continue under the existing system.
Some protesters tried to enter the municipal office.
Police stopped them, and a scuffle happened.
Union leader Gopal Naik fainted during the clash and was taken to a hospital.
The workers are asking the government and the city corporation to protect their livelihoods.
Swachh Auto Tipper drivers and workers protested outside the GHMC head office in Hyderabad.
The protest opposed door-to-door garbage collection being handed to Re Sustainability Limited.
The workers’ union said 50,000 families could be affected by potential job losses.
Police intervened after protesters attempted to enter the GHMC chambers, causing a scuffle.
Union president Kathravath Gopal Naik lost consciousness and was taken to NIMS Hospital.
- Who
- Swachh Auto Tipper drivers, garbage-collection workers, women workers, their union, and the GHMC.
- What
- Workers protested against the privatisation and outsourcing of door-to-door garbage collection to Re Sustainability Limited.
- When
- Friday; the report does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation head office near Tank Bund in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Workers said privatisation could threaten their livelihoods and demanded continuation of sanitation work under the existing system.
Workers and Union
Privatisation Proposal
Who should collect garbage
Workers and Union
Workers and their union want door-to-door garbage collection to remain under the existing system rather than being assigned to private firms.
Privatisation Proposal
The collection work has been handed over, or is proposed to be handed over, to Re Sustainability Limited, according to the report.
Employment impact
Workers and Union
The union says privatisation could destroy workers’ livelihoods and affect 50,000 families, including women workers.
Privatisation Proposal
The report does not state the GHMC’s response or provide its reasons for using a private company.
Workers’ reported distress
Workers and Union
Union president Gopal Naik claimed that 10 workers died in the past month from mental distress and that four others were receiving treatment.
Privatisation Proposal
The report does not independently verify these claims or give a response from GHMC officials.
- Protesting workers
- Swachh Auto Tipper drivers, sanitation workers, and women engaged in garbage collection
- Municipal body
- Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation
- Private company
- Re Sustainability Limited, formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited
- Potential impact
- The union said 50,000 families could be affected
- Main demand
- Withdrawal of the privatisation proposal and continuation of the existing sanitation-work system
- Hospitalised protest leader
- Kathravath Gopal Naik was shifted to NIMS Hospital after losing consciousness
- Police action
- Police intervened after protesters attempted to enter the GHMC chambers, leading to a scuffle