Shantinagar medical health officer suspended

City in-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy, on Tuesday, took to task five Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials for failing to implement waste management practices in East Zone.  

The minister suspended Medical Health Officer, Shantinagar Division, Dr Sanghamitra for not taking any action to ensure cleanliness in the ward. 

Later, Reddy directed four BBMP officers — Executive Engineer of Shantinagar, Narasimharaju; Assistant Executive Engineer of Domlur sub-division Linganna; Assistant Engineer of Agaram ward, Mohan Kumar and Assistant Engineer from Halasuru ward, Narasimha Murthy to shift to their parent department, Public Works Department (PWD). 

A fine of Rs 1 lakh was slapped on garbage contractor from Halasuru, Nandakumar. The minister, accompanied by Commissioner M Lakshminarayana, Mayor B S Satyanarayana, conducted a surprise inspection in various wards coming under East zone. 

The minister noticed the stormwater drains ( SWDs) filled with construction waste and roads littered with filth.

The minister made his first stop at Austin Town and later East Road of Agaram Ward. The minister and Palike officials were shocked to find sacks of meat waste dumped into the drain and infested with worms. 

Unable to withstand the stench, Deputy Mayor Indira returned to her vehicle.   

The officials, later, visited roads of Vannarpet Ward, Neelasandra Main Road, Indiranagar, Halasuru Lake and Cambridge Road. They found piles of garbage lying uncleared.  The residents of Vannerpet Ward told the minister that since four days, waste was not being lifted. On 7th Main Road at HAL II Stage, construction waste was dumped in SWD. 

Reddy said the zonal chief engineers, health inspectors and Palike subordinates are not working efficiently. He said from May 30, they would inspect the remaining seven zones coming under Palike limits. 

Ramalinga Reddy indirectly chided Shantinagar MLA, N A Haris, for taking sides with the Palike officials when action was taken against them. 

Commissioner M Lakshminarayana asserted that measures were being taken to desilt stormwater drains, before the onset of rainy season.