The Hindu    28.08.2012

HC pulls up BBMP for garbage mess

Warning of serious action if the administration remained lackadaisical in resolving the city’s garbage disposal problem, the Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the State government and the Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP) to file a report in three days on the situation.

The court, in its order, also said it disagrees with the statements of certain “public figures” who have said that residents of villages close to garbage landfills should be tolerant.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B.V. Nagarathna, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition complaining about the BBMP’s failure to dispose of garbage, observed that “there is justification in the protest of villagers who are aggrieved with dumping of garbage from the city without there being any effort to recycle or treat the waste/garbage”.

“Garbage will definitely increase. It is increasing because you have not taken any steps. What is the administration doing? You never seem bothered. You should have taken alternative measures,” observed the Bench.

It pointed out that the claim of increase in garbage was a lame excuse and that could not be a reason for leaving garbage on the streets of the city.

The Bench said it would not hesitate to order termination of service or suspension of officials responsible for the situation.

While observing that those who generate garbage are primarily responsible for its disposal, the Bench said that the respondents [BBMP and others] were unable to say whether any mechanism was being put into place for the disposal of waste, either by way of incinerators or segregation.

BBMP counsel K.N. Putte Gowda informed the court that garbage was being cleared but the main problem was in disposal as residents opposed dumping in sites adjoining their areas.

Petitioner G.R. Mohan, a city-based advocate, stated that though the rule specifically insisted on segregation of waste, it was not being complied with.