Bengaluru:This statement may surprise you but it’s up there on a banner nonetheless. ‘Dump garbage here and win Rs 500’. That’s the bold declaration made by the residents of Gayathrinagar of West Bengaluru near Gayathrinagar circle. But although the invitation sounds tempting, there’s not a single person ready to take up the offer.What is keeping the litterbugs at bay are the myriad pictures on the banner of a whole array of gods from Lord Shrirama to Jesus Christ!
It all started a few months back when people started dumping garbage near the circle, mostly at night. At first, locals complained to the BBMP, who put up a banner warning that anyone found dumping garbage in the place would be fined Rs 200. But this didn't act as a deterrent and the flinging of all sorts of rubbish, continued. That’s when a bunch of locals devised an unusual plan.
They put up a banner with pictures of 12 gods and announced a 1500 reward to anyone who dumped garbage there. No one had the guts to take up the challenge and the whole area has become very clean.
Speaking to this newspaper, a local resident said they don’t know who put up the banner. “But the main thing is that it yielded very positive results.”
A BBMP officer said that this was an old ploy using portraits of gods and goddesses to stop flinging of rubbish in public places.
“This method of safeguarding certain areas can be seen everywhere. But the prize money is a unique idea. It is more like a challenge for it would mean violating civic rules. As dumping garbage in public places is an offence, no one can dump garbage just to get Rs 500 as he would have to face criminal action from the BBMP,” he commented.
