‘Uncaring govt not a govt at all’

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For the second time in as many days, the High Court took the state government to task for allowing garbage to take over the streets of once pristine Bengaluru, with the bench headed by Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen observing that “the state government does not show it is concerned,” and “this is not a government at all,” while setting a two week deadline for the civic body to resolve the issue of garbage clearance.

The bench was hearing a PIL relating to garbage disposal.

The BBMP commissioner, Rajneesh Goel faced further judicial wrath when he submitted that the civic body had cleared the garbage. The Chief Justice took the ‘Palike’ to task, observing that “ever­yone can see the garbage piled up in city but for the commissioner,” while asking him to have his eyes tested as he is unable to see the garbage.

The Court was equally caustic when the civic body chief submitted that the government had not received any request on allotting sites for landfills.

garbage: BBMP FACES HC WRATH

“What is the government doing? Is it not obvious that there is a need for a landfill? Is the government looking for a request from the BBMP? Indicate areas which will be eventually taking it (garbage). Sites have to be identified,” the Chief Justice said, adding "It is a matter of concern that the government has yet has not looked into the problem... it is obvious that more sites are required for receiving waste generated in the city.
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“If anything goes wrong, does the government want a request from people (before they act)? Do you need a request (to solve) people's problem? It is most unfortunate that you expect a request for this. That’s not a government all,” Justice Sen said.

In a bid to offer a stopgap solution, the court directed the government to identify five more landfill sites around Bengaluru within the next two weeks, and to clear all projects proposed by the palike as a part of long-term solution. The court has even asked the Urban Development authority to be present at the date of hearing.

Justice Sen also took a serious view of the government not implementing the direction of the court on imposition of fine of Rs 100 on each household for non-segregating the garbage. “A small issue of fixing a realistic fine for wrongful disposal of garbage has not been deliberated upon by the government. We expect a decision to be taken in this regard within two weeks from today,” Justice Sen directed.