Make solid waste processing units functional: HC to Palike

The high court on Tuesday directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to take steps to make seven solid waste processing units functional.

The observation came while a division bench comprising Justice BS Patil and Justice BV Nagarathna was hearing petitions related to garbage problems in the city.

After submission from the advocate representing the petitioners that gas was emanating from the dump yards, the bench observed that if the BBMP fails to take steps to control the gas, it may lead to a disaster like the Bhopal gas tragedy.

BBMP Joint Commissioner (health/solid waste management ) Sarfaraz Khan informed the court that the civic authority had spent Rs 350 crore to construct seven solid waste processing units in Kannahalli, Seegehalli, Doddabidarahalli, Chikkanagamangala, Subbarayanapalya, Koodlu and Lingadeeranahalli. However, these units were not fully functional as the villagers in the areas were not allowing the units to function and sought police protection.

Observing that the public money should not be wasted, the court directed the BBMP to file an affidavit on the needs to make these units functional and it would instruct authorities concerned to provide all kind of support.

The bench observed that it was the responsibility of the all the departments to take care of the city and if any department was not cooperating, then it should be brought to the court's notice after which it would pass the order.

Khan submitted to the court that of 198 ward committees, 50 have not given any suggestions on clearing garbage and 50 other ward committees have not conducted meetings citing the shortage of space.

The bench directed the civic body to give the list of secretaries in the ward committee who have not conducted a meeting to identify places in their wards to set up waste processing plants according to the court's directions.

The court observed that it would initiate strict action against them.

Following earlier directions from the court, the BBMP had paid Rs 50,000 as fine for not implementing the court's orders in constructing solid waste management unit in each ward.

The advocate representing the Palike KN Puttegowda submitted that the fine amount was collected from honorarium of the presidents and secretaries who had not conducted ward committee meetings.

The case was adjourned to April 6.