The Hindu            11.11.2013

Exclusive package for garbage clearance in K.R. Market likely

It has been around two months since the Bruhat Bangalore
Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took up spring cleaning of K.R. Market, one of
the oldest markets in the city.

The civic body had
roped in students from educational institutions and representatives of
non-governmental organisations for the weekly spring cleaning, albeit
with little effect on ground.

It is now mulling over
having a separate garbage package for the market itself. Until now, the
market was clubbed in the package that included the entire K.R. Market
ward, sources in the BBMP said.

Difficult task

“The
contractor was finding it difficult to manage. There were several
lapses as well on his part, as the collection and clearance of waste
from K.R. Market was not regular. The market needs special attention,
which was why the spring cleaning drive was announced,” the official
said and added that the BBMP spends nearly Rs. 30 lakh a month on just
cleaning the market. Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana confirmed this and said
that the proposal had already been discussed several times. The
modalities of the same were being worked out. He said that Commissioner
M. Lakshminarayan is likely to issue an order in this regard in a week’s
time. “Once the order is issued, the tender for the new package for the
market will be floated soon.”

He also said that the
BBMP would explore the possibility and assess the need for separate
packages for the other major markets in the city.

Next plan

Mr.
Sathyanarayana said that the spring cleaning drive would be extended to
the other markets next week, beginning with Johnson Market near Shoolay
Circle. The market cleaning will be taken up with help from students
from St. Joseph’s College. The date for the cleaning drive is yet to be
finalised.