Bengaluru: It has been an uphill battle for the local residents to save the Kaggadaspura lake, as the civic authorities and the local corporator have always cold shouldered them. The residents allege that now BBMP pourakarmikas are allegedly dumping and burning garbage near the Kaggadasapura lake bed and nothing is being done to stop it. As the lake is also home to numerous water birds, they fear such illegal activities would threaten their very existence.
It seems the woes of Kaggadasapura residents will not end soon as the BBMP pourakarmikas are allegedly dumping and burning garbage near the Kaggadasapura lake bed. They have uploaded pictures of garbage burning on social media and made numerous complaints to the BBMP and the local corporator, but they have fallen on deaf ears.
It has been 27 weeks since those residing near Kaggadasapura Lake took it upon themselves to clear the garbage thrown in the lake, after the administration, corporator and the MLA did little to clean the lake.
Sujith Nair, one of the residents who volunteered to clean the lake, said, "The border of the lake is completely burnt. There is no security and despite the prohibition on the entry of vehicles near the lake, it is being frequently violated."
Being a wildlife photographer, Nair pointed out that the lake is home to over 40 species of birds, including migratory ones, and such garbage burning can endanger the entire habitat. "The residents are not only troubled by the issue of garbage burning, but also by the entry of sewage in the lake," he added.
There has been a continued violation of the BBMP guidelines, which proscribe dumping and burning of garbage at public places. Over 50 sacks of plastic waste is being cleaned on a weekly basis by the residents.
In one such incident, the resident found that 10 sacks of garbage, which was loaded on to a BBMP truck, was later found dumped in the lake bed.
"We have even seen one of the pourakarmikas dragging a sack of garbage to the lake bed. This shows the specific neglect by the authorities. We have seen sofa set apart from medical waste being dumped at the bed," said Krish C.K..
The Kaggadasapura Lake was notorious for frothing and after a long struggle by lake conservationists, it was handed over to the BBMP last year. Till then it was not being looked after by any civic authority.
Our pourakarmikas don’t burn garbage: Meenakshi Sreenivasan, BBMP Health Inspector
The residents have complained about regular burning of garbage on the lakeside. How can it be stopped?
Last week, we received the complaint and directed the officials to clear it but they did not find anything. Moreover, the gates of the park near the lake are closed by afternoon.
It is alleged that pourakarmikas burn the garbage. Will you initiate action against the culprits?
Our pourakarmikas do not burn the garbage and if this is the case, certainly action will be taken. After receiving complaints, we have warned them to collect dry leaves and dispose them of through autorickshaws.
How can the BBMP ensure that no dumping or burning of garbage takes place in the future?
I want the residents to bring such issues to our notice. Officials have been directed to take preventive measures. Garbage is collected till 2.30 pm, after which gates are closed. We will initiate action against those violating the rules.
