Lokayukta seeks report on littering in Lalbagh

Lokayukta has taken up a suo motu complaint against BBMP Commissioner, the director of the horticulture department and others for not preventing the dumping of garbage inside Lalbagh.

Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty has directed officials concerned to submit a report by December 27.

The Lokayukta took up the enquiry based on a news report that Lalbagh is turning into a garbage dump. The report had stated that while on the one side visitors were throwing waste inside the park, on the other frequent construction work is increasing the concrete cover.

“The report highlights that Lalbagh is required to be preserved for the benefit of the general public, particularly for senior citizens and children. The report says Lalbagh is being polluted on account of indiscriminate throwing of garbage containing eatables and other waste materials. This is taking place on account of the total failure of the officers concerned to maintain Lalbagh,” the Lokayukta order stated.

Justice Shetty said that he had received several complaints regarding inaction by the officials.

“It has come to our notice that there are stray dogs in the garden. While the life and safety of stray dogs will have to be taken care of by the authorities concerned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, it is also the duty of the authorities to prevent any untoward incident to the members of the public who visit the garden,” Justice Shetty said.

The office of the Lokayukta has issued notices to BBMP commissioner, joint commissioner BBMP (south zone), special commissioner BBMP (health and Administration), director and deputy director horticulture department and joint director department of animal husbandry.

When DH contacted Dr M Jagadeesh, joint director, Horticulture Department, he refused to comment citing that he has not seen the notice.