CM launches ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday launched the ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign and announced a series of measures to improve cleanliness in Bengaluru, including seizure of vehicles involved in illegal dumping of waste, stricter norms for vacant sites, and a forthcoming “historic” initiative to increase the city’s green cover.

The month-long campaign, organised by the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in collaboration with the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) and other government agencies, seeks to make the city free of construction and demolition waste, inert waste and other debris.

Shivakumar inaugurated the drive by carrying waste using mortar pan near Hebbal in the city.”Bengaluru does not belong to the government. Bengaluru is not the government’s asset. Bengaluru is your asset. It is to protect your own asset that we have launched this major campaign,” Shivakumar said after inaugurating the drive at Hebbal Junction.

The CM said the police had been instructed to take stringent action against illegal dumping of construction debris and waste. “If anyone dumps construction debris or waste without permission, or disposes of it anywhere other than the designated location, those vehicles must be seized,” he said, noting that surveillance cameras and notices issued earlier had brought the menace under control for about 15 days before violations resumed.

Calling for greater civic responsibility, Shivakumar said cleanliness could not be sustained through government action alone and urged citizens to develop civic sense and protect the city as their own property.