Bengaluru: Garbage disposal rules up in flames

Bengaluru: Those residing in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Kodigehalli have to put up with the brazen burning of garbage by BBMP’s garbage contractors, but are reluctant to speak out for fear of the garbage mafia. The recent posting of pictures on social media by a civic activist has brought the issue into the open. The residents claim they had approached the local corporator and BBMP officials numerous times but no action has been taken

Yet another shocking allegation of BBMP contractors torching garbage has come to light after United Bengaluru Convener N.R. Suresh posted pictures on social media of burning garbage at Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Kodigehalli.

The presence of garbage mafia in the locality has frightened the residents to silence and they are reluctant to speak either to the media or express on social media.

Suresh highlighted the issue on the social media after which it was widely shared. “I usually travel by that area. Citizens are scared of mafia and do not want to speak about it. Over the years, the undeveloped public park has been utilized for dumping garbage and there is no accountability,” Suresh said.

When Deccan Chronicle tried to speak to the residents near the area, they alleged that the empty land has been regularly used as a dumping ground. The Vidyaranyapura ward is not only infamous for the contaminated lake, where 2 MLD of sewage enters, but for the improper disposal of the garbage.

Akshay Gaud, a software professional and a local resident, claimed he had to always cover his nose and while passing by the area everyday on the way to office. “The BBMP contractors burn garbage not only in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, but in an empty site on Doddabettahalli road and at Chikkabettahalli crossroad. Our complaints have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

Despite several complaints on the social media and websites like Ichangemycity, no action has been taken. At a time, when BBMP corporators indulge in heated debates over air pollution at the council meetings, this brazen burning of garbage, and the conspicuous silence of corporators has angered the residents.
D. Manjunath, a resident said, “Residents are scared of talking about the issue because a few of them were threatened in the past for openly opposing the dumping of garbage in the vacant land.” The residents further alleged that calls made to the BBMP engineers and local corporators were of no use.

‘This is a serious issue, we will take action’
Q and A with Sampath Raj, city Mayor

The brazen burning of garbage is a threat to the health of nearby resident. How can a vacant spot be turned into a garbage dumping ground?
This is absolutely wrong and should not be done. We will certainly take action and will pull up officials for lapses.

Are solid waste management officials not responsible for lack of an effective garbage collection centre?
Yes, they are responsible and I will definitely look into the issue. I will see to it that this gets stopped. They should be held accountable.

When the tenders to install CCTV cameras will be called?
The tenders for the installation of cameras will be called soon and I will ensure that it gets installed at Rajiv Gandhi Nagar area, given the seriousness of the issue.