Garbage chokes Bilekahalli

Garbage mismanagement is the City’s bane, and no one will tell the problems associated with it better than the residents of NS Palya (Dollar’s Layout).

For, they are at the receiving end of a reckless garbage dumping from a nearby slum.
Caught between two wards – Bilekahalli (188) and BTM Layout (176) – this area has the misfortune of being in close proximity with the slum located on a disputed land. A private real estate developer has proposed to build a mall at this site.

Indiscriminate garbage dumping has left the drains of Dollar’s Layout clogged. It only gets worse during rains. The threat of an epidemic outbreak is also looming. Yet, the residents are left to fend for themselves. Numerous complaints and letters to the BBMP Commissioner have not changed the scene. Corporators of both the wards have been of not much help either. The garbage remains uncleared. 

Rohini Ravi, a resident, complained there was no proper door-to-door garbage collection. Garbage is littered everywhere by the slumdwellers. “We are tired of complaining to the BBMP officials, they have not taken any action against those who  create trouble.”

Classic example

The Jedi Mara bus stop in the area is a classic example of official apathy. “One cannot stand at the bus stop due to the unbearable stench. With no other option, people are forced to stand with their mouth and nose muffled,” said P Venkatakrishnaiah, another resident.

Bilekahalli Corporator Roopa Ramesh said she had taken all steps to keep the area clean, but the efforts went in vain due to the callous attitude of the slumdwellers. “I have asked the officials to clear the garbage daily. Even fogging was undertaken. But it has become very difficult to educate the slumdwellers about hygiene. Even when we approach them, they are in no mood to listen to us,” she said.

BTM Layout Corporator G N R Babu claimed he had recently solved the problem of clogging of sewage water by installing a jetting machine to pump out the water. “Garbage does get cleared every day. But there are some miscreants who are causing problems,” he added.