BENGALURU: Garbage burning in Kasthuri Nagar has been troubling residents, but despite repeated complaints to the BBMP and area corporator, there has been no action. The residents alleged that the area is ruled by garbage mafia and that they are scared of raising their voice. A resident, Harish Sethu (name changed), recently shot a video of people burning garbage on the Third Cross. He alleged that they are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
“We spoke to the corporator, but he blames the area MLA for not releasing funds. He claims that except a few residents, no one has an issue with garbage burning. We have tried to meet the health inspector and get him to take action, but nothing has happened,” he said. Bharath Raj, another resident, said that recently, a big pile of garbage was set on fire near his house and he had to pour water as the smoke and stench were unbearable. “Though the BBMP has said that they will install CCTV cameras, there are none in our area. Many spots in our locality are vulnerable to crimes. Cases of theft and chain snatching have already been reported,” he said.
The residents said that BBMP contractors are dumping large volumes of garbage in forested areas. Also, garbage is being segregated near a school, which is a health hazard for schoolchildren. Mr Sethu said, “The stink near Presidency School is unbearable. The BBMP should immediately shift it from there.” The residents said that the BBMP has also stopped the fencing work of the Storm Water Drain in the area, and alleged that the BBMP is ignoring the area only because it is on the outskirts.
