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.
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.”
