‘Tough action should be taken against those illegally dumping garbage’

Q&A with Subodh Yadav, BBMP special commissioner

Despite making segregation of garbage mandatory for bulk generators about a year ago, some of them have not been doing it. Besides, the BBMP has been earning bad reputation due to indiscriminate dumping of garbage on roadside by some miscreants. The BBMP is seeking police power to arrest and punish them, says Subodh Yadav, BBMP special commissioner (solid waste management).

On Wednesday, a health inspector Chitra had created ruckus at Raiyan Garden apartment taking objection for the way waste was segregated. Isn’t there a training given to officials to deal with general public?
The officials are well aware of their duties and responsibilities. Continued efforts have driven health and engineering staff to jump on to the streets to check whether the garbage is segregated. The waste processing units have been rejecting mixed garbage outright manner. Officials are hard pressed to ensure garbage is segregated at source.

The BBMP had sought police help to punish illegal and indiscriminate garbage dumpers. What is the status?
As per the section 491 of the KMC Act, BBMP authorities have police power. The BBMP is making a point to exercise such power with government support to ensure garbage is not littered indiscriminately. Only stringent measures will bring deterrence among the illegal dumpers.

Why is garbage not collected in some parts of the city? Is BBMP and garbage contractors facing shortage of men?
Yes, I have heard complaints of garbage not being cleared and in some places it is set on fire. SWM officials have been directed to ensure that littering and setting them on fire is prevented. In some areas, the problem persists as the contract has expired. However, BBMP has continued them for clearing garbage.

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