Bengaluru: The BBMP in association with Indian Tobacco Company Ltd. launched the zero garbage initiative in 12 wards on Monday, July 1, which, incidentally, is celebrated as National Recycling Day.

The BBMP had promised to initiate the pilot project in 30 wards but Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy launched it in just 12 wards.

Reddy, who is also Bengaluru district-in charge, stated the obvious when he said that the active involvement of citizens is essential for BBMP’s segregation at source scheme to succeed. The initiative will be launch in 22 wards in the first phase and later extended in all the wards that have a Dry Waste Collection Centre (DWCC), he said.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, he said that he had never seen so severe a garbage problem in 29 years of public life. He said that he has directed the BBMP commissioner to take stern action against those who fail in their duties of garbage clearance. He also suggested a penalty for erring contractors or even black listing them.

Chikpet MLA R.V. Devaraj said that the zero garbage initiative must be activated in areas that produce more garbage such as markets and bus stands. The initiative should be replicated in Sudhamanagar and Dharmarayaswamy Temple wards, where K.R. Market, Kalasipalya bus stand, Victoria Hospital, Vani Vilas Hospital and Kempe Gowda Institute of Medical Sciences are located.