Bellandur residents urge BBMP to remove stray pigs

People living in most localities of Bellandur are forced to grapple with the rising number of stray pigs, which is gradually turning into a health hazard.

Though the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike regularly sends in pig catchers to remove the animals, residents say they are back on the streets within a week, which they show as evidence of an active pig mafia in the area.

“There are 20 pigs in every Bellandur street,” said Naresh M, a resident. “The BBMP went on a drive to remove the pigs two months ago. That exercise became futile as the pigs are back on the streets. The Palike subsequently didn’t remove them.”

Residents allege that the pigs belong to a rowdy living in HSR Layout. “Pig catchers are scared of him and say they want police protection while snaring the pigs since local mafia has threatened them,” said a resident. “The authorities did nothing to stop the pig owners and mafia.”

People in the area are afraid of raising their voices against the rowdy, fearing repercussion. Infrequent garbage clearance and the overflowing dumps are only exacerbating the pig menace.

“We are forced to fling the garbage into the open drains because the BBMP isn’t clearing the dumps regularly,” said Sudarshan Shastry, who lives in Kasavanahalli. “Regular clearance of garbage would help regulate the situation concerning the pigs. Pigs carry deadly viruses and we are afraid of diseases breaking out.”

Pigs are largely seen in HSR Layout, Agara, Haraluru, Kaikondrahalli and Bellandur in Sarjapur Road.

An official from the BBMP’s animal husbandry department said a tender was given six months ago to capture and remove the pigs, but it was not effective. “We are calling for new tenders in the coming weeks,” the official said.

BBMP Joint Commissioner, Mahadevapura, Vasanthi Amar assured that the civic body regularly clears the garbage. “We are not sure about the alleged pig mafia. We’ll look into it,” she said.