BENGALURU: “Friends and relatives are reluctant to visit my house. Even if they come they refuse to take a meal”, rued local residents of Lingadheeranahalli at Banashankari 6th stage. Reason? These people stay close to waste processing plants established by the BBMP, which always emanates unbearable stench and attracts flies. As the garbage crisis is snowballing with garbage contractors refusing to clear the garbage as their bills have not been paid for five months, Bengaluru Development Minister G. Parameshwar took stock of the situation at the scientific solid waste management at Lingadheeranahalli.
Ramesh, a resident of Banashankari 6th stage said, “My friends are relatives make me feel that I committed a major blunder by having a house at Banashankari as they are reluctant to visit me.” The BBMP has failed to maintain the waste plants, resulting in unbearable stench. Banashankari 6th state is supposed to have a good environment as it is near the lush green Turahalli forest.
It is said that though the BBMP has been spending huge money on waste processing, it is unfortunate that these plants are working way below their capacity. Though they can process 2,300 tonnes of waste, they are processing just over 300 tonnes. Unless, these plants are put to use to optimum potential, garbage crisis will not be solved, said residents. During inspection Mr Parameshwar said that Bengaluru has been generating over 3,500 tonnes of waste on a daily basis and scientific processing is a challenge.
The state government has set up seven waste processing plants at a cost of Rs 450 crore. In addition, the government plans to set up waste to energy plants to solve the crisis. The government and BBMP are also studying the amount of money spent by different bodies on solid waste management and the government would come out with a suitable solution to solve the crisis, as well as to reduce the money spent, Mr Parameshwar assured. Residents said it would be a big challenge for Mr Parameshwar as he is from Tumakuru and lacks local and grass root connect. However, he has been in Bengaluru for long holding key portfolios including that of chairmanship of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
