To deal with garbage crisis in Bangalore and other places, the state government has amended the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) Act, 1976, empowering the civic bodies to penalise people who do not  segregate waste at source. The government on Tuesday decided to impose a fine of Rs 500 (Rs 100 for the first time) if people do not segregate waste at source.

Dr D Radhakrishna, joint secretary of HSR Layout Residents’ Welfare Association, Sector V, said, “People should change their attitude. We will hold special meetings with residents and demonstrate segregation of waste at source. We will also educate pourakarmikas and tell them not to collect mixed waste.”

Mukunda Rao, a member of the Jayanagar V Block Residents’ Welfare Association, said even if segregation is carried out at source by citizens, pourakarmikas and garbage contractors may mix it while transporting it to landfills. “Why penalty clause for public alone? Garbage clearance is a chain process,” he added.

Expert Speaks

Urban Infrastructure expert V Ravichandar said, “If we have to solve garbage problem in Bangalore, we have to segregate waste. If anyone is not segregating waste, that means they are irresponsible and they have to be penalised. The BBMP should educate people, levy penalty and refuse to pick waste if it is not segregated.”