Published Paper Details:

The rapid urbanization and industrial expansion in Kerala have led to a significant increase in waste generation, which has put immense pressure on the current waste management systems. The Government of Kerala has proactively responded to these challenges by introducing innovative, community-focused approaches to waste management that are both efficient and sustainable. The Haritha Karma Sena (HKS), a collaborative initiative, represents a strategic transformation in Kerala's waste management practices, emphasizing a holistic system of waste reduction, segregation, and recycling instead of merely focusing on disposal. Women members receive training in waste collection and segregation, along with education on public waste management, enabling HKS to serve as both a service provider and a catalyst for social change. In this context, the study examines the socio-economic and working conditions related to the challenges encountered by HKS workers. Primary data were gathered from 100 HKS workers in the Vatakara taluk of Kozhikode district, Kerala, utilizing a snowball sampling method with a structured questionnaire. The Haritha Karma Sena workers are predominantly middle-aged, possess moderate educational qualifications and have a relatively stable and moderate monthly income. These workers are vital in promoting environmental sustainability and public health by overseeing waste collection, segregation, and recycling at the community level. The study indicated that the HKS volunteers have demonstrated significant potential in their initiatives related to waste management and environmental preservation.