Villagers block NH to protest waste unit, stop garbage trucks

At least 500 people blocked the Dobbspet-Kolar National Highway near the Moogenahalli gate to protest against the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for setting up a waste disposal unit at Chigaranahalli in Doddaballapur taluk in Bengaluru Rural district.

The protesters did not allow any garbage trucks to enter the disposal site. Hundreds of women carrying broomsticks took part in the protest and urged the Palike to closed down the units.
“About 500 tonnes of waste is being dumped here every day ever since the Mandur landfill site was closed. We are facing stray dog and mosquito menace as well as problem of water contamination,” the residents said.

The protest was led by Dalit Vimochana Sene and supported by other organisations such as Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Suvarna Karnataka Jana Shakti Vedike, etc.
‘Vested interest’

Muniraju, president of Dalit Vimochana Sene, alleged “political interests” behind the Palike’s decision to set up units in Doddaballapur taluk. “People are already facing problems from Terra Firma plant located near Gundlahalli. Another plant has been set up recently at Chigaranahalli in the same taluk.”

Dalit Sanghatane president Purushottam said: “The Doddaballapur MLA has allowed the BBMP to set up the units so that the State government does not get embarrassed. Besides, the waste is being dumped unscientifically which is affecting the villagers here,” he added.
DH News Service