Bengaluru: After snap protests, human chains, symbolic protests through blood donation camp and repeated awareness campaigns, residents of HSR Layout have finally gained the attention of the authorities.
"We started our silent protest on Sunday evening and continued it overnight. In the morning, BBMP Joint Commissioner Sarfaraz Khan visited us to discuss the problems. The strike ended at 3 pm,” said Sankar Sharma, one of the residents who raised the issue against the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation’s composting unit.
The unit meant for processing segregated waste has turned into a garbage landfill with poisonous remains polluting the air and Somasandrapalya Lake. The residents complained of terrible stench 24/7 and death of the lake, along with encroachment of the lake land by dumping garbage.
“Mr Khan spoke to us and got our feedback. After our meeting, he agreed to three of our demands. In one month, the lake land will be given back to the LDA, stopping encroachment. The residual fluid from KCDC will also be cleared in three months, which will be a big relief to us,” said Mr Sharma. “Garbage from other wards was being dumped here as well. He promised us that only waste from Bommanahalli zone will be sent to this unit. He also promised us that a meeting would be arranged with the BBMP commissioner to discuss closing down of the plant," he said.
By Wednesday or Thursday, the residents expect to have a meeting with BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad and Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George.
