'Civic workers lack awareness on waste segregation'

Residents and members of various residents’ welfare associations (RWA) across Hennur and nearby areas on Saturday aired their grievances with the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials during the launch of an awareness campaign on segregation of waste.

The residents complained that the pourakarmikas lack knowledge on the segregation and mix the waste, though the residents segregate it at source.

Usha, a resident of Muddanna Colony said: “The pourakarmikas regularly come and collect the waste. However, they mix the waste while dumping them in the trolley due to lack of awareness about the garbage segregation.”

Saraswathi, another homemaker from Veeranna Garden, alleged that the roads in her locality are dirty and stormwater drains are clogged.

Garbage mafia

Sarvagnanagar constituency MLA K J George said the problems related to waste segregation persists; but the situation has come under control now, as the garbage mafia that disrupted the disposal of the waste reduced considerably after the High Court intervened in the matter. 

“I have replaced the old contractors in four wards and they are doing a good job. To encourage the pourakarmikas, we are planning to start a rehabilitation programme,” he added.

Environmentalist A N Yellappa Reddy explained how the cash-strapped Palike can make Rs 200 crore to Rs 300 crore every year, properly segregating the waste and turning it into a ‘gold’.

“The heavy metals that mix up with the waste can lead to deadly diseases and environment degradation,” he said, explaining the ill-effects of unscientific method of waste disposal.