BBMP looks at more zero-garbage zones

BBMP looks at more zero-garbage zones
Aarthi R | TNN

Bangalore: Very soon, the entire stretch from Mayo Hall till the BBMP head office near Hudson Circle will be a Zero Garbage Zone.
After the pilot project in Gandhinagar still waiting to be officially unveiled by the chief minister, this BBMP plan now goes east. Similar initiatives are being prepared for areas like Sanjaynagar and Jeevan Bima Nagar.
While the plan (see box) and areas seem to be clear, the cost factor and sustainability in the long run are rather challenging, considering there’ve been similar efforts earlier. A few like the ‘litter cop policy’ never took off. “We’ll still give it another try though it’s too early to unveil further plans,’’ BBMP commissioner Bharat Lal Meena.
“We plan to take it up in phases across the city. Our main priority will be the market areas. The idea is to work it out in a way so that the BBMP doesn’t have to incur any additional expenditure. If required, we might have to get additional people in shifts. Also, it needs to work on a sustained basis. However, even if we get through it all, we might still not meet the desired success without people’s cooperation. We can only create a system. It needs to be followed as well. That’s what still remains a problem area’’ he explained.
PILOT PROJECT
It’s neither official nor complete, but several parts of Gandhinagar are now ready to be tagged ‘zero garbage areas. The initiative, which was started on Augusr 15, 2009, has been extended to K G Road, Seshadri Road, Palace Road and Sangam Theatre road.
Work is under progress in different stages here — footpaths on these stretches are being tiled from a Rs 20-lakh fund.
Garbage here is cleared in three shifts with an additional staff of 50. “Except for the expenditure on staff and footpath works, we’ve not had any additional expenditure so far. However, the locals and the area MLA have been very supportive,’’ a BBMP engineer from west zone said. Simultaneously, a poster-free zone is being created — walls are cleared of posters and then painted.
Malleswaram is also on the radar. And it’s possible that the CM will unveil both projects simultaneously.
A CLEANER CITY
Litter-free at all times No encroachments Foot-friendly footpaths Potholes filled No urinals by roadside Poster-free painted walls