The people of Bangalore treat the city as a dustbin, according to
BBMP Commissioner Lakshminarayana, who said the lack of cleanliness in
the city is largely a behavioural issue.

Addressing a gathering of
advocates at the high court here on Wednesday, he pointed out that the
city’s footpaths have been largely encroached upon by traders to display
their wares.

 “There are also shopkeepers who throw garbage out at 9 am, after sweepers have cleaned the streets at 6 am,” he said.

“In
low-lying areas, there is a problem of flooding because many houses
have encroached upon storm water drains, among other factors,” he said.

Justice
Sridhar Rao said, “With the monsoon hitting the city, it is the season
of dengue and malaria and efforts have to be made to keep the city
clean.” He said one major issue is the city’s drainage system which is
outdated needs to be replaced. “This has to be addressed on a priority
basis,” Justice Sridhar Rao  added.