Bengaluru Horamavu residents urge BBMP to address burning garbage concerns
Residents of Horamavu, a locality in Bengaluru, are sounding the alarm over a growing and hazardous issue that continues to plague their neighbourhood — the burning of garbage along the railway tracks. This illegal practice has become an ongoing concern, with residents expressing their frustration at the apparent inaction of local authorities, especially the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML). With multiple complaints lodged, the burning of garbage near the abandoned Auto LPG station has escalated into a public health threat, prompting calls for urgent intervention.
For many residents, the situation has become unbearable. VP Krishna, founder of the KR Puram Constituency Association Welfare Federation, recounted his experience in responding to a resident’s call about the burning. “I informed the Fire and Emergency Services, and I would like to appreciate the personnel for quickly dousing the fire,” Krishna shared. However, he added that some pourakarmikas (municipal workers) may be involved in setting garbage on fire, exacerbating health hazards, particularly for senior citizens. The widespread nature of this practice and its regular occurrence has raised concerns regarding the systemic flaws in garbage management.
Further compounding the issue, residents have pointed out the dire conditions surrounding the abandoned Auto LPG station, which has become a hotspot for illegal dumping. “It has turned into a dumping yard for all types of waste,” said Narayan Ram, a resident living near the railway track. “Not only is the burning of garbage a serious issue, but the persistent smoke from these fires is unbearable.” For those living in proximity, particularly apartment dwellers like Ram, the situation has reached a critical point, as the smoke from the burning garbage drifts into their homes, posing long-term health risks.
The ongoing issue highlights a wider systemic failure in waste management and urban planning. George Joseph, another concerned resident, expressed frustration over the regularity of these incidents, stating that garbage should be transported to the designated disposal sites rather than being set alight. This irresponsible behaviour is not only detrimental to the environment but also undermines the efforts of local authorities to manage waste in a sustainable manner. An anonymous resident further emphasised the need for accountability, urging BBMP to impose penalties on both the irresponsible residents and the pourakarmikas involved in the illegal burning. Despite these pleas, there has been no response from the BBMP Health Inspector, leaving residents feeling unheard.
From a sustainability perspective, the burning of garbage has severe environmental and public health implications. The practice releases harmful toxins into the air, contributing to pollution and respiratory problems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Additionally, this approach to waste disposal contradicts the principles of waste management and recycling, key pillars of sustainable urban development. The need for a comprehensive, eco-friendly waste management strategy has never been more apparent. A city like Bengaluru, which faces mounting waste management challenges, must prioritise alternative solutions, such as waste segregation, composting, and recycling, rather than resorting to harmful practices like burning. It is essential that the BBMP take a more proactive approach to curb these issues, implementing stronger enforcement measures to ensure the health and safety of the community and the environment.
In conclusion, the residents of Horamavu are calling for swift action from the BBMP to address the growing problem of garbage burning. While local authorities have yet to implement any substantial changes, the issue highlights the broader challenges that Bengaluru faces in its efforts to become a cleaner, more sustainable city. With increased public pressure, it is hoped that city officials will prioritise this pressing concern and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
