BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has warned the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to abide by its guidelines against burning dry leaves on roadsides.
The board had earlier told the civic agency that dry leaves should be sent for composting and not burnt at any cost. The civic body has not been following the order. The pollution control board has now warned the Palike that it would issue an official notice if it continues to ignore the directive.
In many parts of the city, citizens and pourakarmikas burn dry leaves on roadsides and inside parks; this can have a hazardous impact on the environment.
Dr Vaman Acharaya, chairman of KSPCB, told Express that burning waste and dry leaves is banned as they emit carbon dioxide. But civic workers sweep and collect dry leaves, and then burn the heap, which may include bits of plastic, in open areas. “This causes pollution and the civic agency must send these leaves for composting,” he said.
Environmentalist Meenakshi Bharath pointed out that the Palike should ensure a separate vehicle is sent to transport dry leaves to the local composting area. “Pourakarmikas are burning the leaves to avoid the excess weight that comes with them. The Commissioner’s office should direct ward-level engineers to instruct the workers not to burn them,” she said.
Lack of Vigilance?
Pourakarmika union members accepted the need to take the leaves for composting, but refused to shoulder all the blame. “Earlier, officials were suspended if waste was burnt in their wards. Due to this, even pourakarmikas were kept under watch. Now that is not the case,” a member said.
BBMP Commissioner
M Lakshminarayana said the corporation had issued a circular on collection of dry leaves. “As there have been complaints of burning of dry leaves, another reminder with a strict warning will be issued to all the zones. And the ward-level engineer should also fall in line and go on rounds to ensure that dry leaves go to the composting units,” he said.
Venkataraman Iyer, a member of Koramangala 3rd Block Residents’ Welfare Association, said dry leaves can be used to beautify homes and gardens. “Koramangala 3rd Block is a large area with good greenery. Every day, we get a lot of foliage and it is put in a shredder in the 3rd Block park and is bought by residents,” Iyer said.
