‘We will try to replicate it in other areas’

Q&A with Subodh Yadav, Special Commissioner, Solid Waste Management

What does plastic ban in HSR Layout mean to the BBMP in terms of solid waste management?
The plastic ban in HSR Layout is self-motivated and self-imposed. This is a very huge step and something special for any city. The biggest problem for garbage management arises from plastic and if the use of plastic is curbed, handling garbage becomes easier. About 8 per cent of the garbage is plastic and without plastic, that much of garbage gets reduced. Other kinds of waste generated through plastic also gets automatically reduced.
 
If HSR Layout’s initiative becomes successful, will the BBMP urge the state government to impose ban across the city?
The state government has already called for discussions with citizens and it’s not only matter of time before the government order is issued. Soon, the ban will be enforced in the city.
 
Will the BBMP take forward the HSR Layout’s initiative?
Residents in many areas like Banashankari, Yelahanka and Jayanagar have been pro-active and we will try to replicate it. Citizens are becoming self-aware and that helps us in emulating good works of other localities.
 
There are complaints that BBMP workers and even auto-tipper drivers are mixing segregated garbage in HSR Layout and hence the citizens’ efforts prove futile. How do you plan to improve?
We are not aware of this but we all need to understand that the drivers don’t get anything out of mixing garbage. They may not be aware like us and mistakes happen involuntarily. The BBMP officials are aggressively promoting plastic ban in HSR Layout and they will ensure that citizens’ movement is a success at any cost.