The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Safai karamcharis are sanitation workers who play a pivotal role in the municipal solid waste management system. Their primary duties involve the collection, transportation, and segregation of waste to ensure public hygiene and environmental sanitation.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Safai karamcharis are service providers engaged in sanitation and waste handling. They are not involved in the industrial manufacturing of goods such as plastic bags. Manufacturing is a production activity carried out in factories, whereas the role of a safai karamchari is operational and service-oriented regarding waste management.
- Statement 2 is Correct: In the context of municipal waste management, safai karamcharis collect garbage and transport it to disposal sites or landfills. At these sites, they often perform the critical task of segregation, separating useful materials (recyclables like plastics, metals, and glass) from non-useful garbage (waste that cannot be reused or recycled). This process aids in resource recovery and reduces the volume of waste in landfills.
- Statement 3 is Correct: By collecting waste from households, streets, and bins, and managing its transport and final disposal or processing, safai karamcharis are integral to the management of waste disposal. Their work ensures that waste does not accumulate in living areas, thereby preventing health hazards.
Key Takeaway: Safai karamcharis are essential to the Solid Waste Management ecosystem, primarily functioning in the collection, segregation, and disposal phases, distinct from the production or manufacturing sectors.