4 days ago
Bengaluru civic body to rope in police to curb illegal waste dumping
Under a new initiative, Bengaluru civic authorities will soon rope in the city police to curb illegal waste dumping. Apart from this, a new website will be launched on June 6 to allow residents to raise complaints regarding waste dumping in their localities.
Addressing a news conference on Monday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that the initiatives were part of the 'Clean Bengaluru Action Plan', which will be announced on the said date. 'We will install more (CCTV) cameras (in areas where dumping is rampant). We will launch a website to alert us about waste dumping. The police will be involved (for action against the offenders),' he said.
The government is also mulling increasing the fine for improper waste disposal, especially dumping of construction debris, he said. Currently, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) levies fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh for improper waste disposal.
Commenting on the Green Bengaluru Vision, Shivakumar said that Rs 120 crore was allocated for the development of parks and lakes in the city. In 2023-24, 19 new parks were constructed and 47 were upgraded, while 19 lakes were developed and 40 were fenced. In 2024-25, 1,500 groundwater recharge pits were constructed, apart from works on various lakes in the city, the minister informed.
On account of World Environment Day, which is celebrated every year on June 5, the GBA will give away Blu-Green Awards recognising the efforts of individuals, institutions, and communities that have contributed to the city's Climate Action Goals.
Shivakumar said that GBA has received 175 entries for the award across sectors such as water, waste, urban planning, biodiversity, air quality, disaster management, and energy. The applicants for the prize include resident welfare associations, government bodies, schools, start-ups, and non-government organisations.
Of the applications, 15 were selected by a jury. The winners will be feted during an event scheduled for June 6.
