Littering at public events to cost dear

Social gatherings and events attended by more than 100 persons in public places may soon need the permission of the jurisdictional urban local body (ULB) at least three days in advance as per the new draft byelaws on solid waste management.

The organisers will have to ensure that all solid waste generated is disposed of within 24 hours of completion of the event. The services of the ULB for the same can also be availed by paying a fee fixed to the local body.

The urban development department recently notified the draft Karnataka Municipal Corporation Model Solid Waste Management Byelaws-2018 for all ULBs - including BBMP - a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework encompassing all aspects of waste management right from its inception to final disposal.

As per the statute, a person organising an event or gathering of more than 100 people will have to intimate the jurisdictional ULB through a plain paper application at least three working days in advance. The person will have to ensure disposal of the solid waste generated within 24 hours after the completion of the event.

In case the organisers wish to avail the services of the ULB for cleaning, collection and transportation of the solid waste generated, they can apply for the same by paying a fee as fixed by the local body in advance.

This is the first time that the byelaws for solid waste management have been framed under the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, thereby making an effort to give ULBs the teeth and the power to implement its provisions, including collecting hefty penalties for violation of the statutes. Hitherto, rules on solid waste management were being framed under Environment Protection Act, 1986.

The byelaws define the gatherings as those at public places for any reasons including for processions, exhibitions, circus, fairs, political rallies, commercial, religious socio-cultural events, protests and demonstrations.

Even if the organisers decide to dispose of the solid waste generated, on their own, they will have to remit a “cleanliness deposit” with the ULB, which will be refundable on inspection of the site by authorities of the local body. The deposit will be refunded only if the solid waste generated is segregated, collected and transported to designated sites in accordance with provisions of the byelaws.

The byelaws state that if the public place is not restored with 24 hours of the completion of the event, the cleanliness deposit will be forfeited.

The byelaws will come into effect once the urban development department notifies it in the official gazette.