No end in sight to Bengaluru’s garbage mess
Tags:
Bengaluru: There seems to be no respite from the garbage crisis for citizens of Bengaluru as well as villagers of Mandur as city in-charge minister R. Ashok and Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar have so far not been able to come up with effective alternative steps.
The BBMP Commissioner, Siddaiah, has even hinted that alternate measures to tackle garbage would take at least three months to roll in and dumping of garbage at Mandur landfill might extend beyond February.
Mahadevapura MLA and Health minister Aravind Limbavali and villagers of Mandur met Mayor D. Venkatesh Murthy and Siddaiah on Wednesday to discuss issues related to garbage disposal at Mandur.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Siddaiah hinted that dumping of garbage at Mandur landfill may continue after February too. Initiatives like converting waste to energy and composting will commence from March, he said.
However, the villagers and Limbavali opposed dumping of garbage after February 1. Siddaiah said the villagers have raised two issues — stop dumping of waste at Mandur and to process and clear the accumulated waste. The BBMP has been considering various alternatives to stop dumping garbage at Mandur, he said.
“The BBMP has already identified landfills at various places after holding talks with the government and other departments concerned for scientific disposal of waste. A few proposals to establish waste-to-energy plants at the identified places are pending before the government and a green signal is likely to be accorded in a day or two. Once we get the approval, garbage will be sent there and gradually, the burden on Mandur will be reduced,” he said.
There is no dearth of funds, technology or manpower. About 37 companies have evinced interest in processing the accumulated waste at Mandur and Mavallipura. About six companies have shown interest to set up waste-to-energy units in Mandur landfill and by March, the work order is expected to be issued to them to start work, he said. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is also expected to give its nod to process the waste at Mavallipura, Siddaiah said.
The meeting was attended by city MPs D.B. Chandregowda and P.C. Mohan. Deputy Chief minister R. Ashok, who holds charge of the city, was conspicuous by his absence.
Post new comment