Ahead of the monsoon, heaps of garbage which lay uncleared in various areas and stench emanating from them has worried Bengalureans of a possible epidemic once it rains.
Leachate oozing from garbage piles, all pervading stench and spread of diseases are a few things Jai Kumar, a resident of Basavanagar dreads this monsoon. The reason is the piled up garbage at BEML Road-Basavanagar stretch. “The garbage collection is irregular. I do not know what will happen if case of a heavy downpour and the Palike does not take immediate measures," he remarked.
Harilakshmi theatre near Wilson Garden that has turned into a dumpyard and a breeding ground for mosquitoes is another place that is giving sleepless nights to local residents.
Mahesh T S of Hemmigepura said that since Pourakarmikas do not visit his area for lifting the waste from households, some residents are dumping garbage at vacant plots. The stench becomes inevitable whenever it rains.
“Along with the stench, the leachate flows onto roadside drains and lakes from a garbage plant located at Banashankari 6th Stage, closely located to my ward. I am worried that the leachate seepage might increase during rains. There have already been four to five dengue cases in the past," Mahesh added.
Such blackspots can be seen at MG Road, near Indian Gymkhana Club in Cox Town, Kalyan Nagar Main Road, Jayanagar 1st Block, near Murugeshpalya Cross among other areas.
BBMP Joint Commissioner for Solid Waste Management Sarfaraz Khan admitted that garbage disposal is an issue in the City and efforts are on to identify landfills for dumping the waste. “We have identified two landfill at Gollahalli and Mitigenahalli. Once we get clearance, we will be able to dispose garbage effectively."
To solve the problem of leachate flowing from garbage waste processing plants and dumpyards, the BBMP will procure three leachate sucking machines soon. Officials said they have already submitted a proposal to the state government and are expecting its nod soon. The leachate suck by machines will be transported to sewage treatment plants.
What doctors say
As monsoon is about to hit the city, doctors have begun seeing sporadic cases of dengue and warn people of possible worsening of respiratory infections. “There is a possibility of mosquitoes population going up as the rains begin. Water contamination is another concern as we would see an increase in the gut infections,” said Dr George D’Souza, HOD, Chest Department and Pulmonology, St Johns Medical College Hospital.
“Changing temperatures worsen diseases like asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders. Viral infections also go up during the season and hence flu is bound to be there,” he said.
Dr Girish, HOD, Dermatology, ESIC Model Hospital, Rajajinagar said as the weather changes, bacterial, fungal and viral infections are bound to increase. “Covered areas such as that between thighs, axillary area, and feet (when kept covered continuously) are bound to be affected by fungal infections.”
He said that those getting drenched in the rain, wearing wet footwear or socks are at a risk of being infected. “This is true especially with children. They tend to get chicken pox. Conditions like eczema may aggravate during the season,.”
Precautions
Wash hands frequently
Avoid exercising and going out when it is cold
Those with existing respiratory ailments must take medication regularly
Keep hands and feet dry
Avoid staying in wet clothes for long
Drink filtered water
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