Burning of trash, plastic poses health risk in ITI Layout

Burning of plastic and garbage has become a major menace for the residents of ITI Layout in Dooravani Nagar near KR Puram.

Heaps of garbage can be seen going up in flames almost daily in the area. This is despite the fact that there is a ban on plastic in the state and burning garbage is an offence under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Environmental Protection Act, 2010.

Road users and residents complain that the fumes and foul smell from the garbage are too much to handle. “There is a school in the layout. There are many children, but nobody is bothered about their health. People are seen piling up garbage and setting it ablaze,” said Vanitha, a commuter. Residents have tried to stop this, but in vain.

“We residents tried to stop this, but failed. The sweepers, garbage collectors and their leader shouted at us, threatened us of dire consequences and told us to mind our own business. The workers here say that they are under the Central government and have nothing to do with BBMP rules. They will do what they can to clear the garbage,” said Mohammed S, a resident.

The layout is a central government layout, but falls under the purview of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). However, some BBMP officials said they were unaware of the issue. Umanand Rai, BBMP joint commissioner, Mahadevapura zone, said that though the area is a central government layout, BBMP is responsible for its maintenance. “I will ask the health inspectors and assistant executive engineers to look into the issue,” he said.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board chairman Lakshmana said that no complaints have come to the board.

“Instructions have been issued to the regional officers to inspect the site and submit a detailed report. Action will be taken against the offenders,” he said.