The High Court on Tuesday directed the state government, BBMP and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to educate the citizens on segregation of garbage at source.

A Division Bench, comprising Justices N Kumar and B V Nagarathna, directed the BBMP to submit a report with all the details about the project-wise steps, economic viability about the future projects for solid waste management and adjourned the further hearing of the case to April 26.

The bench observed that garbage menace cannot be solved with just court orders and insisted on creating public awareness about segregation of garbage at source. 

Justice N Kumar observed tenders could be awarded to all those who had applied for contract and based on their performances, contracts can be renewed, instead of allotting garbage transportation tenders to certain contractors.

The BDA has filed a report stating that it had identified eight sites for the BBMP for waste management. The bench asked it whether those sites were litigation-free.

BBMP commissioner Siddaiah, who was present in the court, said the civic body had identified suitable sites in all 198 wards for segregation and storage of dry waste. He said some non-government organisations want to take over the responsibility of disposal of dry waste for experimental basis for six months without any returns.

Siddaiah also said the BBMP has appointed environmental engineers in all wards. He also said the bulk generators have come forward with a proposal for collection and disposal of waste at their cost. “They segregate the waste in house and need land from BBMP for setting up of plants. The bulk generators are Kalyan Mantaps, hotels, malls, and group of apartments,” he noted.

He also informed the court that BBMP has called for pre-bid tenders for on Wednesday.

The court sought for details about it on the next date of hearing.