Villagers choke on Bangalore’s garbage

Villagers choke on Bangalore’s garbage
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Narayanpura village on the outskirts of the city has fallen victim to indiscriminate garbage dumping. Over 30 open wells in the village have now become dumping sites for Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) garbage contractors as more than 20 truckloads of waste are dumped here every day.

Recently, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) took over the area but that has not helped. Open construction sites, empty pits and large grounds are being used as garbage dumps.

The villagers say the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has not heeded their complaints. Says environmental activist and artist C F John, “Though there have been several protests, they have failed to wake up the authorities.

“Let alone pollution, such garbage dumping is hazardous to health and has environmental implications,” he added. The garbage contains animal waste, hospital waste like bandages and syringes, fibre waste and biodegradable and degradable materials.

There is no proper segregation of the garbage and the entire area stinks, says John. The rains mean more trouble as rainwater percolates through the waste heaps to the ground water table, raising fears of ground water pollution.

“Farmers use the garbage as manure but this affects crops. Besides, it is also dangerous for children who come in contact with the waste,” said Puttanna, a local farmer.

General physician of Manipal Hospital Dr Sanjeev Rao said, “The inhalation of the smoke due to the burning of garbage can cause air-borne diseases, especially lung infections and asthma.

“The intake of contaminated water causes intestinal infections, and other general illnesses such as diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and others.”

Senior Environmental Engineer of State Pollution Control Board B Ramaiah said the culprits would be brought to book.

“We have identified the garbage truck numbers and survey numbers of the sites. We will take action soon. We have also informed the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner about the problem. We have also filed criminal cases against some landlords who allow the dumping,” he said.

But John feels that public awareness is crucial.

“People are sensitive about not littering city roads. But they need to know how the garbage dumping affects the city outskirts,” he said.