Pramesh S Jain
The GBA has seized six vehicles involved in the illegal transportation and dumping of solid waste on vacant land and along a riverbank in the Mahadevapura zone of East Bengaluru.
An FIR has been registered at Kadugodi Police Station against those responsible.
According to BBMP East Zone Commissioner D.S. Ramesh,certain individuals were misusing the name of an agency officially authorised to collect and dispose of bulk waste from commercial and residential complexes.
Using fake identity cards,they allegedly collected waste and dumped it illegally in areas adjoining the Dakshina Pinakini river near Siddhartha Layout in the Kadugodi jurisdiction.
The illegal activity came to light following complaints from local residents.
Acting on the information,GBA officials maintained surveillance and conducted a special operation on May 29,during which five waste-laden vehicles were seized. The drivers, however, fled the spot.
In a follow-up operation on May 30,officials seized another vehicle,taking the total number of vehicles impounded to six.
Based on a complaint filed by the Assistant General Manager of BBMP,a case has been registered at Kadugodi Police Station.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the vehicle owners,drivers,other persons involved in the illegal dumping operation,as well as landowners who allegedly allowed waste to be dumped on their properties.
Commissioner D.S.Ramesh said BBMP is following a “zero-tolerance”policy against illegal waste disposal and warned that strict penal and criminal action would be taken against those endangering public health, environmental safety, and urban cleanliness.
He also appealed to citizens to immediately inform BBMP or the nearest police station if they notice vehicles or individuals involved in illegal dumping activities.
