On Day 3 of mandatory garbage segregation at source, residents of Rajarajeshwarinagar could not differentiate wet waste from dry waste.
Most of the residents of IV and V Stage of BEML Layout had not segregated garbage and BBMP staff told them to follow the new rule. “Only 30 per cent of homes have segregated the waste,” said Krishnamurthy U, an environment officer.
As the pourakarmikas leave dry waste (mostly plastic covers) behind, residents demanded even that be cleared. According to rules, dry waste will be cleared every Sunday.
“We are ready to support the initiative, but where are we expected to store dry waste for a week? Dogs and rodents will create trouble. When you are here, why don’t you just take it?” questioned a resident.
Taking inspiration from this resident, others voiced their complaints against pourakarmikas, who were clearing garbage only three days a week.
The layout had garbage strewn around, as a result of the alleged irregularity. “As it turns out, by the time we visit houses, the owners would have left. So they throw garbage at certain block points,” Krishnamurthy said.
Srinivas, a resident at BEML Layout IV Stage, had segregated garbage with textbook precision. “I keep dry waste at home for a week. We have to do it and there’s no other go. It is better to keep it than dispose of waste on the streets,” he said.