Dr Laxmi Vadapalli is a trained sociologist with a PhD from the University of Hyderabad. She has professional experience of over 17 years in the development sector, and has had a 2.5 year stint with TISS, Mumbai. She has vast experience in issues pertaining to Resettlement and Rehabilitation in mining and irrigation sectors in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A project aimed at providing alternative occupations for waste pickers in an industrial estate in Hyderabad holds important lessons. What would really make their lives better?