Garbage disposal halted at Terra Firma landfill

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s garbage problems have mounted with the closure of another landfill following a protest by local farmers.

The unrest at the landfill began five days ago when irate farmers on Doddaballapur Road, taking cue from Mavallipura residents, launched a stir against the dumping of trash at a landfill managed by Terra Firma Biotechnologies.

Many expressed fears that they would face similar health hazards as suffered by Mavallipura residents. The closure of the landfill has badly affected the collection of garbage in the City.

Mounting anger

Sources said that the stir is a result of increasing anger over the unhygienic conditions at the landfill, which had been exacerbated by a pungent reek put out by the dumping ground. Since the closure of Mavallipura landfill, the Palike had diverted nearly 800 tonnes of garbage to the Terra Firma landfill. Because of protests, however, it had reduced the load to 300 tonnes. To reassure farmers, the Palike has promised to take steps to prevent villages from being polluted. However, few protesters have paid heed to the promise.

The agitation intensified three days ago when local farmers reportedly blocked the road, compelling truck drivers to return to the City with their loads of garbage. Much of the trash generated in the City is now being sent to Mandur near Hoskote and to another dump near Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

The Palike has expressed fears that there will be a large pile-up of garbage on Tuesday — in the aftermath of Ramzan —the disposal of which, could pose a major challenge. In addition, with several festivals due in September, starting with the Ganesha festival, the Palike fears an increase in garbage loads in the City.
Palike Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda said that the BBMP will not be able to dispose of garbage if the protest continues. He said the protests may force the Palike to seek the assistance of police.

When asked about eco-friendly methods to dispose of waste, he said that, “Many proposals regarding the scientific disposal of garbage such as waste to energy are waiting for clearance from the Finance department and their commissioning will take at least 20 to 24 months.”

Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy said that there were some issues related to garbage disposal in Terra Firma and he had asked officers to obtain details.