Manik Chandra Dhar, a green job holder in Bangladesh
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Authors
Mohammed Nayeemur Rahman
Issue Date
03/02/2017
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Agriculture , Environment , Water and Sanitation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Manik Chandra Dhar is now 46 and very happy with his family. His only daughter studies in class V and the youngest son in class III. Manik and his wife Jhorna Begum has been working in a compost (waste to compost and bio-gas) plant in Faridpur for last 8 years since 2008. “I had a very tough time with my family. I lost my father when I was only 6 months of age. My mother had to work in a school as Aya (support staff) and for more money she also worked as domestic help in a school teacher’s house. When I was at 14, I decided to work alone and gave my mother a relief from her hard labour. I had to change my job very frequently. I worked as a fisherman, carpenter, cook, and mason. Finally, I settled down as a green job holder not because I am earning a lot but at the cause of my duty and role to protect the environment and ensure better place for the children.” In a drive of promoting decentralised informal systems for recycling this waste, Faridpur Municipality provided cooperation to establish a compost plant with the technical and financial assistance of Practical Action Bangladesh in the year 2007. The municipality has engaged a local NGO WORD (Welfare Organisation for the Rural Disabled) for house hold (HH) waste collection service and operating the plant under public private partnership (PPP). “First time it was a challenge for me to work in such a green job. But I was confident that I could do better. I assured my employer that one day I will bring results and proved waste as wealth.” Every morning at 7:30 am Manik starts with his motorised tri-cycle van and works till 5:30 pm covering 400 HHs. He carries 500 kg kitchen waste every day at the plant. His wife, along with other workers, segregates the waste for bio-gas chamber and compost. Manik maintains a very cordial relationship with his customers. During our survey we didn’t find any complaints against him. “Now I can cover more HHs with this motorised van provided by Practical Action which has increased my income. Moreover, every year during Eid festivals I earn around BDT 15,000-20,000 as bonus along with cloths for me and my family from each and every HHs whom I provide the service. Besides, they gave me beef during Kurbani which is around 60 kgs.” When asked about how green job has changed their lives, Manik replied “Now I have purchased my own land and built my own house furnished with TV, fridge and furniture. I have a saving around BDT 50,000 in a bank. Now I feel like in heaven working together with my wife, eating better food, wearing cloths and sending children to schools! Not only that, I can support others with money. Last month, I gave away my rickshaw to a poor family at free of cost. My wife and I work together, we are lucky to dedicate our lives for a green environment. I am the luckiest! I feel proud to be here.”