The Lokayukta of Karnataka, Justice BS Patil, has taken suo motu cognizance of the garbage crisis in Bengaluru after auto-tipper drivers stayed off the roads, severely impacting waste collection across the city. On Thursday, he constituted three special teams to assess the ground reality and submit a report within 24 hours.
Protest by Auto-Tipper Drivers
The protest by auto-tipper drivers began earlier this week over non-payment of dues by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The drivers have demanded immediate clearance of pending payments amounting to several crores. As a result, garbage has been piling up in many wards, leading to unhygienic conditions and public outcry.
Lokayukta's Intervention
Justice Patil directed the teams to visit various parts of the city, including central, south, and east zones, to document the situation. The teams will interact with residents, BBMP officials, and sanitation workers to understand the extent of the problem. The Lokayukta has warned of strict action if negligence is found on the part of the civic body.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents have reported overflowing bins, stray animals rummaging through waste, and foul odors in several neighborhoods. The situation is particularly dire in areas like Yeshwanthpur, Rajajinagar, and Koramangala. Many citizens have taken to social media to express their frustration and demand immediate resolution.
BBMP's Response
The BBMP has assured that efforts are underway to resolve the payment issue and resume garbage collection. Officials claim that a partial payment has been released, but the auto-tipper unions insist that full dues must be cleared before they resume work. The civic body has also deployed additional vehicles to manage the backlog, but the impact remains limited.
The Lokayukta's report is expected to be submitted by Friday, after which further action will be taken to ensure accountability and restore normalcy in waste management services.
