Stink sinks in for minister, mayor

Garbage clearance has not improved despite HC order

The garbage crisis seems to have worsened in the City, showing no signs of improvement after it hit international headlines last year.

During a field visit on Saturday, Mayor Venkatesh Murthy, Bangalore incharge Minister Ramalinga Reddy and BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana came across poor garbage management in many areas.

The visit comes in the backdrop of the High Court of Karnataka coming down heavily on the BBMP for its ineffective garbage clearance in the City.

The minister and others visited areas such as New BEL Road, Hebbal, Kushalanagar, Sarvagna Nagar and Tannery Road, which are stinking to high heaven.

At Kushalanagar, Reddy and Murthy noted garbage dotting important junctions.

Residents of the area complained that garbage collection was very poor in their area, which compelled them to throw the waste in the open. They feared that poor garbage clearance, choked drains, mosquito and rodent menace would lead to the outbreak of a major epidemic.

Choked drain

The minister and others noted sewage overflowing from a manhole due to the choked drain. Later speaking to reporters, Reddy said instructions were given to the officers and contractors for effective garbage clearance as per the High Court direction. However, the poor state of affairs showed that the officers and contractors had not taken the matter seriously.

“We will initiate disciplinary action against the officers and impose penalty on the garbage contractors,” said Reddy.

Murthy said a meeting would be convened on Monday with the officers and contractors. Angry with the poor garbage scenario, commissioner Lakshminarayana said strong action would be taken against the officers responsible. The minister and others also visited the construction site of the underpass on CV Raman Road and expressed displeasure over the snail’s pace of work.

The minister said the underpass would be ready in the next four months.