Will Bengaluru see garbage-free Metro lines before Independence Day?

Upa Lokayukta has ordered BBMP and BMRCL to work together to clear the debris on the Metro lines by August 14th.

The fourth hearing of the complaint on debris and garbage under the Namma Metro lines, filed by Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) came up for hearing in front of Upa Lokayukta Subash B Adi on July 3rd.

During the hearing, B.PAC submitted over 100 photographs showing the debris, construction waste and garbage still lying in the median of Namma Metro, despite the Upa Lokayukta’s previous order to the BBMP to clean up the mess. B.CLIP participants and other B.PAC volunteers conducted a daylong exercise on July 2nd, visiting the Metro line to check the status of the same.

$(document).ready(function(){ $(‘.carousel .carousel-inner .item’).first().attr(‘class’, ‘active item’);});

Law Officer, Deshpande who appeared on behalf of the BBMP Commissioner made a submission that the Commissioner would be convening a joint meeting of both BBMP and BMRCL officials to take immediate action for the removal of garbage, debris and other waste within a month.

BMRCL officials who were present during the hearing were directed by Upa Lokayukta to work out a plan along with BBMP officials, and submit an action taken report by August 14th,along with photographic evidence. The Upa Lokayukta also directed BMRCL officials to submit a compliance report ensuring that drinking water and toilet facilities are made available in all Metro stations with emphasis to differently-abled passengers. Officials of BMRCL committed that arrangements were in progress and that the same would be provided within two months.

Despite four hearings over the last three months, because of the continued blame game by both organisations, there has been virtually no progress on ground regarding clearing garbage and debris.  Revathy Ashok, CEO, B.PAC said, “Finally, both BBMP and BMRCL have agreed to work together to clean the garbage and debris at the medians of Namma Metro. We hope they will stick to the commitment made to the Upa Lokayukta and Bengaluru will celebrate Independence Day with garbage-and-debris-free metro lines across the city.”

The next hearing is scheduled for Friday August 14th, 11.30 am.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Why the national programme for clean air failed a gasping Mumbai

Mumbai has seen an alarming decline in air quality. A look at the limited impact of the National Clean Air Programme on mitigating pollution.

October 2023 was a shocker for Mumbai. The coastal city has historically recorded lower AQI levels as compared to Delhi, which is notorious for its poor air quality. But the tables turned in October 2023, with AQI in Mumbai reaching dangerously high levels of up to 300, surpassing Delhi for several days. This led to a slew of respiratory ailments, more so among the vulnerable populations. PM2.5 levels have, in fact, seen a consistent increase in Mumbai over the past three years. Dr Jui Mandke, a paediatric surgeon practising in Mumbai, says, โ€œIn October 2023, we encountered the maximum number…

Similar Story

Ottupattarai renewed: From garbage dump to community garden in Coonoor

An initiative by the Coonoor Town Municipality and voluntary organisation Clean Coonoor has diverted tonnes of plastic waste from going to landfills.

Ottupattarai, once marred by the unsightly accumulation of waste in the picturesque hill town of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This was possible through the dedicated efforts of Clean Coonoor, a city-based NGO. Nestled in the highest part of Coonoor, amidst the tea gardens of the Nilgiris, the waste dumping site in Ottupattarai has metamorphosed into a thriving garden that serves as a community space for residents. The makeover journey began in 2014 when 15 dedicated volunteers established Clean Coonoor to initiate sustainable waste management practices in the town. Beginnings of a journey In 2019, Clean…