'Brace for worst waste crisis'

The City may face major garbage crisis in future with the National Environment Engineering Research Institute projecting the daily garbage generation in Bangalore at 8,000 metric tonnes by 2020, said A Ravindra, advisor to chief minister on urban affairs.

Speaking at a meeting on source reduction of municipal solid waste here on Saturday, Ravindra said the City generates 4,000 metric tonne of garbage a day at present and an increase in garbage generation may lead to a crisis in future, particularly in the aftermath of closure of landfills at Mavallipura and Mandur.

Ravindra said Indians, by culture, always used reusable items be it a handbag or a milk container. However, such practice has vanished  with the advent of ‘use and throw mentality.’

An official on condition of anonymity said  the BBMP has identified multiple plots in order to decentralise the system of waste segregation and every unit handles not more than 500 metric tonnes. However, whenever a proposal to acquire these lands is mooted, some real-estate lobbies, fearing the fall of property prices in the areas adjoining the landfill, make acquisition an uphill task.

Past president of Rotary Club, Bangalore, Ramachandra said landfills offer only a temporary solution for garbage disposal.