No respite for Bilekahalli residents

The Palike contractors have apparently found a novel way to dispose of garbage at Bilekahalli. Unable to clear the garbage, they are burning the waste much to the horror of the residents.

It is not only polluting the environment but has become a new cause of worry for residents. BBMP workers are burning the garbage to reduce the quantity, which is emitting toxic gases posing health risk to the residents.

It was a month ago when Deccan Herald had reported about garbage menace in Bilekahalli due to the indiscriminate dumping of waste.

Despite repeated complaints to the BBMP officials concerned, none of them had responded to the public grievance. After the report, health inspectors, environment officials and garbage contractors rushed to the spot to clear the garbage.

Rohini Ravi, a resident, said that earlier garbage was strewn everywhere, but now its burning had become a health hazard.

“Palike reacted to the newspaper report and immediately cleared the garbage on day one. But a few weeks later, the problem returned. Now, the workers are burning the garbage, polluting the air,” she added.

Ratnakar, another resident, who questioned one of the garbage contractors about the practice, said: “I asked the contractor and he completely denied it. I am quite sure, he would have asked the workers to burn the garbage as they are finding it difficult to transport it.”

However, Chethan, one of the garbage contractors in Bilekahalli, said he was not sure whether workers were burning the garbage. “I need to check as there are two contractors who have been awarded tenders to clear the garbage. I will find out if my workers are doing it,” he said.

Besides, the residents have complained about how the slum dwellers were once again creating a nuisance in the area. The dwellers are using either sides of the road linking NS Palya and Bannerghatta Road as urinals, they added.

A resident said that it was virtually impossible to stand at the Jedimara bus stop due to the stench emanating from the garbage dumped there. None of the Palike health inspectors was available for comment on the issue.