As part of efforts to improve working conditions for conservancy staff, the Coimbatore Corporation has launched a pilot initiative to test wearable umbrella gear for workers engaged in street cleaning. The initiative aims to evaluate how effective the gear is in offering protection from sun and rain during outdoor duties.
The gear, which includes a backpack-style umbrella fitted with a transparent front panel, has been designed to allow workers to carry out cleaning tasks with their hands free. According to Corporation officials, this setup is expected to provide greater comfort and mobility for workers, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
A senior Corporation health official said the gear was distributed to 20 conservancy workers on Monday as part of the initial phase of the pilot. “The trial will run for one week to 10 days. It is being carried out on the instruction of the Corporation Commissioner. The gear, each costing around ₹2,000, has been sourced from local MSMEs,” the official said.
The Corporation plans to review the workers’ feedback and assess the performance of the gear during the trial period. Based on the outcome, the initiative may be extended to a larger section of conservancy staff working across the city.
