The markets in the city are stinking. With garbage lying all over the place, both merchants and customers are finding it difficult to deal with the situation. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has not cleared solid waste from KR Market, Russel Market and other markets in the city in the past few days.
Authorities at the civic body say the garbage has not been cleared as most of the officials are put on election duty.
The Code of Conduct that came into effect soon after the election dates were announced was also an issue, they add.
“After the election date was announced, most of the Department officials were posted on poll duty. Now after Thursday’s polls, many of them have been assigned to monitor the strong room where the EVMs are kept. The situation will improve next week,’’ mayor B S Sathyanarayana told Express.
KR Market, one of the biggest in the city, generates over nine tonnes of garbage a day. At the junction of Sri Krishnarajendra Market, trucks loaded with waste are lined up, while mounds of garbage are seen at many places near the market. Such is the stench at the entrance of the market that many people are seen pincing their noses.
KR Market Flower Merchant Association president G M Diwakar said, “What is the point in giving money to contractors to clear the waste or asking students to be part of cleaning drives in the market, when the BBMP is unable to do it? We have told this to the mayor several times, but it is of no use.’’
He said pourakarmikas do not come to work regularly as they have salary issues. Their pay for the months of March and April are pending, he pointed out.
Abdul Gaffar, a steel and home appliances dealer from Achari Street, lashed out at the BBMP officials for their inaction in clearing the garbage which has been accumulating since the Bangalore Karaga started.
“The place has become a dumping point. There is a temple and a mosque close by and there is also a bar. People come out from the bar and urinate here, adding to the bad smell. I have complained to the assistant engineer of the ward, but no action has been taken,” said Gaffar.
Joint Commissioner of the West zone Lakshminarasappa said, “The issue will be sorted out as this matter has been placed before the commissioner. The issue with the pourakarmikas’ salaries will be addressed on Saturday.”
General secretary of all BBMP Market Association Mohammed Idrees Choudry said, “Customers who come to purchase vegetables leave early without exploring much due to the stink.”
Joint Commissioner of East zone Venkateshappa said, “Due to the election on Thursday and holiday on Good Friday, clearance of over 15 tonnes of garbage could not be done. From Saturday onwards, the ward officials concerned will be asked to start clearing the piled up waste.”