Garbage dumped outside BWSSB office
The disconnect between the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in execution of projects is not a new phenomenon.
The garbage collection point just outside the BWSSB service station in Kamalanagar is a case in point.
Despite complaints from the residents, the contractor for the area dumps the garbage near the service station on Kamalanagar Main Road.
The garbage is strewn all around, even on the water valve. Garbage produces leachate (toxic garbage juice), which easily percolates into the soil contaminating the groundwater. Contamination of potable water supplied through pipes too cannot be ruled out.
Govindaraj, a resident, said the BBMP alone can’t be blamed as the residents too dump garbage recklessly. “The valveman had complained that he had to stand on the pile of garbage to operate the valve to supply water,” he added.
The pile of garbage with the stagnant water has turned the area into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A BWSSB official said it had become impossible to work in the office due to the stench.
“I have complained several times to the BBMP officer concerned and the local corporator. But no action has been taken. Instead, they have asked us to identify a suitable place to
shift the collection point,” said Shivananda, AEE, BWSSB.
‘Officials helpless’
When contacted, the Palike officials and the corporator expressed helplessness.
“The present contractor collects garbage from three wards in the area. The garbage might have been littered while transporting it. While floating the fresh tenders, we will ensure that the garbage collection point is shifted,” said Padmavathi Srinivas, Corporator, Shakthi Ganapathi Nagar.
Narendra Babu, the local legislator, intervened, but in vain. “I have written to BBMP many times about shifting the collection point. As it is a residential area with no open space left, the civic agency is not able to find an alternative place. The only way is to ask BWSSB to allot a chunk of its land to shift the collection point.”
