BTM: Cleanup efforts down the drain
The condition of Storm Water Drain (SWD) in several wards of the city is in a mess and BTM Layout is one of them.
Bengaluru: One of the vital points for the Swaccha Survekshan 2020 is that no visible waste should be seen in the Storm Water Drain (SWD) and the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) have to provide data on the rejuvenation of drains along with an action plan to address their pollution.
However, the SWD in several wards in the city are in a miserable state and BTM is one of them. The SWD that crosses Maruti Nagar and Tavarekere is choked with plastic waste.
Despite steps taken by the BBMP and the corporator to stop the dumping of waste near the drains, there seems to be a little improvement on the ground.
“Usually, the dumping takes place during the night. One can see the waste water entering into the drains meant to carry rain water. The notices are all over that the area is under the CCTV surveillance but if it is so, why are the culprits not fined,” said Vishwanath, a resident of Taverekere.
With the burgeoning growth of the paying guest accommodation across Maruti Nagar and Tavarekere there seems to be lack of implementation of solid waste management rules.
“Despite the efforts being taken by the BBMP, be in terms of putting rangoli or pictures of gods and goddess at the black spots, violators have no shame. Next day, you see the frame with pictures missing and the garbage pile is back. The hawkers who sell fish throw the dead fish inside the SWD,” said Lalitha, a local resident.
‘Efforts on to remove waste from drains’
Q&A with the MAYOR GAGAMBIKE
What is the municipal agency doing to improve the Swaccha Surveskshan rankings.
We have held meetings in this regard and efforts are being taken to improve the city's rankings this year.
One of the vital criteria is that no visible waste should be seen in the SWD.
Yes, and efforts are on to remove the waste from the drains. The de-silting of several SWDs are on. We have held several meetings with the officials on what went wrong last time and how should we improve ranking.
You strongly believe that apart from government agencies the public participation should be there to improve the rankings. Why.
Unless the people join hands with the officials we cannot do anything. Their cooperation is needed.