Garbage trucks dumping waste in Mittaganahalli landfill in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
Upalokayuktas K.N. Phaneendra and B. Veerappa on Monday conducted an inspection of the Mittaganahalli waste dumping yard, where nearly 380 to 400 garbage trucks unload waste from across Bengaluru everyday. They directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to resolve the problems aired by the residents living in the vicinity.
The visit, attended by officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd., the local panchayat, and other agencies, aimed to address the mounting concerns of residents over pollution and health hazards.
Problems faced
During the inspection, residents voiced their grievances about the unbearable stench, increased presence of flies and mosquitoes, and the impact on children’s health. They also raised concerns about contamination of the nearby lake and the alarming number of birds, including eagles, scavenging in the area.
Following discussions, BBMP officials were instructed by the Upalokayukas to take immediate remedial measures and submit a comprehensive action plan to resolve the crisis. Additionally, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) was directed to conduct environmental tests on the soil, air, and water quality around the landfill and propose corrective actions.
All officials have been given a 15-day deadline to submit detailed reports assessing the situation and outlining the necessary interventions. Residents were urged to cooperate with authorities to ensure effective monitoring and resolution of the issues.
The visit underscores growing concerns over Bengaluru’s waste management and highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
BBMP orders probe
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has appointed Special Commissioner (Health) Suralkar Vikas Kishor as an investigation officer to probe alleged irregularities pertaining to billing of solid waste management in the Gandhi Nagar division.
BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath on Monday issued an order appointing Mr. Kishor to probe the matter. He has been directed to rope in officials and augment necessary resources to probe the case. The order came after former BBMP councillor N.R. Ramesh filed a complaint with the civic body.
In the complaint, it is alleged that a junior health inspector from West Zone colluded with some unauthorised persons and made payments to the tune of ₹2 crore in the last three years. The payments were made for waste collection from homes and transportation without bringing it to the notice of the higher officials. It is also alleged that the billing software was hacked.
Published – February 03, 2025 11:00 pm IST