The people of Bangalore treat the city as a dustbin, according to BBMP Commissioner Lakshminarayana, who said the lack of cleanliness in the city is largely a behavioural issue.

Addressing a gathering of advocates at the high court here on Wednesday, he pointed out that the city’s footpaths have been largely encroached upon by traders to display their wares.

 “There are also shopkeepers who throw garbage out at 9 am, after sweepers have cleaned the streets at 6 am,” he said.

“In low-lying areas, there is a problem of flooding because many houses have encroached upon storm water drains, among other factors,” he said.

Justice Sridhar Rao said, “With the monsoon hitting the city, it is the season of dengue and malaria and efforts have to be made to keep the city clean.” He said one major issue is the city’s drainage system which is outdated needs to be replaced. “This has to be addressed on a priority basis,” Justice Sridhar Rao  added.