Abandoned landfill sites to make way for tree parks

The abandoned quarry garbage dump sites, on the outskirts of the city, will soon be turned into the much-needed green cover.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is developing tree parks on these sites where people will be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and relax.

Civic agencies - the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and BDA are working in tandem on the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru Development Minister K J George. 

A directive was given to them by the leaders at the recent BDA board meeting.George told Deccan Herald that the decision was taken to make use of the dump sites in a better way rather than leaving them as garbage landfills. This will also help increase the green cover in the City. It was a long-pending proposal which is being implemented now, he added.

BBMP Joint Commissioner, Health and Solid Waste Management, Sarfaraz Khan said 11 pits, sized between six and 35 acres of land on the outskirts of city, had been identified. 

Work at two places - Bengipura and Lakshmipura landfills started six months ago but at new areas it is being done scientifically.

We have immediately identified four pits- Bellahalli in Bengaluru north-12 acres, on Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road near Kanakapura-20 acres, Bagalur-seven acres and Mittaganahalli-12 acres, he said.

The BBMP is yet to acquire the Bellahalli quarry site from NICE. The remaining places belong to the BBMP. The garbage at these sites which also includes construction debris, will be managed at three levels, including leachate treatment.

The gases will be collected and reused, including for electricity generation. 

The last 15 feet of the dump site will be mud-capped and turned into tree park. At Bengipura in south Bengaluru, spread across 20 acres, 70% of mud-capping is over. 

At Lakshmipura in Bengaluru south, chain-link fencing of seven acres land has been completed. People will be able to enjoy landscaped parks in one year's time, but tree park will take 3-4 years to be ready till the trees are tall. 

Though this is being introduced for first time in Bengaluru, its prevalent in Germany and France and even in Tatanagar, in Jamashedpur. People will not feel the stench. Also this is the best way to use such areas, Khan added. 

BDA Town Planner member Chowdegowda said the aim was to increase lung spaces like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh. This also finds a place in the state budget of last year. Area size will not matter in creating parks. The CDP (comprehensive development plan) also incorporates these sites for tree parks. Work on the remaining landfills is yet to start, he added.