Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), as part of its drive to promote segregation of waste at source, has roped in folk and streetplay artistes who will perform in different parts of City. On Tuesday, BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah flagged off the teams.

Briefing reporters after launching the drive, Siddaiah said Palike is close to setting up dry waste collection centres in all the 198 wards. Once these centres come up, segregation of waste at source will be mandatory and mixed waste will not be accepted.

Siddaiah said “once segregation of waste at source comes into effect, at least 1,000 tonne of waste can be prevented from going to landfills. The segregated waste can give employment to hundreds of people. We have to involve Residents' Welfare Association (RWAs) for the success of garbage segregation.”

For people’s participation in scientific disposal of waste, he said that extensive publicity is required to popularise the concept.

Besides the help of streetplays and folk song artistes, advertisements in newspapers, radio and television channels, hoardings and handbills would be taken up, Siddaiah said, adding the hoteliers will strictly have to adhere to segregation rule and manage their waste as per their agreements.

Siddaiah said the Palike’s rain preparedness was in place. “Desilting and repairing of shoulder drains and storm water drains is in full swing across the City,” he said, adding enough measures have been taken to prevent flooding of Gali Anjaneya Temple, areas around Koramangala, Silk Board junction and Shivajinagar. Prahari teams have been equipped and necessary instructions given to them.