The Hindu            11.11.2013

Exclusive package for garbage clearance in K.R. Market likely

It has been around two months since the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took up spring cleaning of K.R. Market, one of the oldest markets in the city.

The civic body had roped in students from educational institutions and representatives of non-governmental organisations for the weekly spring cleaning, albeit with little effect on ground.

It is now mulling over having a separate garbage package for the market itself. Until now, the market was clubbed in the package that included the entire K.R. Market ward, sources in the BBMP said.

Difficult task

“The contractor was finding it difficult to manage. There were several lapses as well on his part, as the collection and clearance of waste from K.R. Market was not regular. The market needs special attention, which was why the spring cleaning drive was announced,” the official said and added that the BBMP spends nearly Rs. 30 lakh a month on just cleaning the market. Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana confirmed this and said that the proposal had already been discussed several times. The modalities of the same were being worked out. He said that Commissioner M. Lakshminarayan is likely to issue an order in this regard in a week’s time. “Once the order is issued, the tender for the new package for the market will be floated soon.”

He also said that the BBMP would explore the possibility and assess the need for separate packages for the other major markets in the city.

Next plan

Mr. Sathyanarayana said that the spring cleaning drive would be extended to the other markets next week, beginning with Johnson Market near Shoolay Circle. The market cleaning will be taken up with help from students from St. Joseph’s College. The date for the cleaning drive is yet to be finalised.