Nagpur Sanitation Crisis: Face Recognition Data Exposes Worker Absenteeism
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) implementation of geo-fencing and face-recognition technology has uncovered a disturbing trend in sanitation worker attendance from December 2025 through February 17, 2026. Data analysis reveals a significant slide in presence among sanitary staff across all ten municipal zones, highlighting systemic issues in workforce management and supervision.
Alarming Attendance Patterns Across All Zones
The comprehensive three-month data shows that while average in-count attendance—marking arrival—stands at approximately 84–86%, the mid-count attendance plummets to just 65–70%. Out-count figures, recorded at the end of shifts, hover between 72–78%. This consistent mid-shift disappearance pattern indicates workers are present for initial check-ins but frequently absent during crucial working hours.
The problem spans every zone: Ashi Nagar, Dharampeth, Lakadganj, Hanuman Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Mangalwari, Nehru Nagar, Gandhibagh, Dhantoli, and Sataranjipura. With around 7,000 sanitary workers total, about 5,000 are deployed across 38 prabhags to sweep 4,000 kilometers of roads. Their irregularity directly impacts cleanliness, as evidenced by Nagpur receiving zero marks for uncleaned roads in recent Swachh Bharat surveys.
Detailed Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
February 2026 Data (through February 17):
- Ashi Nagar: 86.81% in-count vs. 63.63% mid-count
- Dharampeth: 86.09% in vs. 56.68% mid
- Lakadganj: 92.05% in vs. 69.24% mid
- Sataranjipura: 84% in vs. 62.34% mid
- Hanuman Nagar: 90.39% in vs. 75.43% mid
- Nehru Nagar: 84.45% in vs. 75.96% mid
January 2026 Figures:
The situation was even more severe in January, with several zones experiencing over 30 minutes of average delay and steeper mid-count declines. For instance, Lakadganj's attendance dropped from 85.25% in-count to 60.39% mid-count. Mangalwari showed 77.58% in versus 55.56% mid, while Dharampeth recorded 81.54% in but only 57.70% mid.
December 2025 Analysis:
December figures, though slightly better in out-counts, still displayed consistent gaps between morning and mid-shift attendance. This indicates the issue is structural rather than seasonal, persisting across different months and weather conditions.
Political and Administrative Response
Newly elected Congress corporators, including Shailesh Pande and Abhijeet Jha, have raised the matter publicly. They allege irregular road sweeping and mounting citizen complaints, arguing that while NMC cites staff shortages, the face-recognition data clearly suggests absenteeism during critical working hours.
The geo-fencing system was specifically designed to eliminate proxy attendance and ensure field presence. However, the widening gap between in-count and mid-count now raises serious questions about on-ground supervision and accountability mechanisms within the municipal administration.
Implications and Future Actions
With sanitation directly linked to public health and civic perception, the administration faces increasing pressure to implement stricter measures. Suggested actions include:
- Tightening monitoring protocols through enhanced technology use
- Conducting surprise inspections during mid-shift hours
- Linking wage payments to verified mid and out counts rather than just initial attendance
- Improving supervision structures to prevent disappearance patterns
As corporators prepare to escalate the issue in the general body meeting, the numerical evidence speaks volumes about the need for immediate corrective action. The data not only highlights worker absenteeism but also points to broader management failures in ensuring consistent sanitation services for Nagpur's residents.
The situation underscores the challenges municipalities face in implementing technological solutions without corresponding improvements in supervision and accountability. With public health at stake, the coming weeks will be crucial for determining whether NMC can effectively address these systemic issues and improve sanitation outcomes across the city.
