Pulling up BBMP for brazenly dumping garbage, on Monday, the High Court of Karnataka indicated that it might restrain the civic body from issuing permission for new constructions to prevent further production of waste.
A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka observed that as against 5,700 tonnes of waste generated every day, BBMP can process only about 1,125 tonnes in accordance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 & was dumping the rest illegally & endangering the lives of citizens.
The Bench observed that in view of the civic agency’s failure, the only way left was to prevent it from giving permission for new constructions, except in case of housing for the poor & reconstruction.
‘Supersede BBMP’
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners disputed that the civic body should be superseded for failing to do its duty & also to implement solid waste management rules.
Counsel pointed out that on earlier occasions when the BBMP council was not there, officials were promptly implementing laws as well as court orders. He wanted the court to direct the state to supersede the Palike by invoking powers available under section 99 of the KMC Act.
Pointing at the dumping of waste in quarries like in Bellahalli, he also sought for prosecution of civic officials for their criminal act.
BBMP counsel, however, maintained they have maintained the areas very well & dumping at Bellahalli would be stopped by this month-end.
“The Palike is dumping illegally, but beautifully,” the Chief Justice remarked in a lighter vein & adjourned the proceedings, indicating that the court would pass necessary orders on the issue on Tuesday.
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