BENGALURU: To get the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) plant in HSR Layout closed down, the Kudlu Haralur Haralakunte Somsunderpalya Parangipalya Residents Welfare Association (KHHSP-RWA) is planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court.
The plant has been causing water and air pollution with a terrible stench. Those staying in the vicinity of the plant in Haralakunte off Hosur Road have been complaining of respiratory problems like bronchitis, burning of eyes, clogging of the throat and stomach problems due to air and water pollution caused by KCDC residues from the composting procedures.
KHHSP-RWA member and an IT professional Kamesh Rastogi told TNIE, “The biofilters, which are supposed to suck bad stench, are not working. The KCDC is not considering the environmental parameters which lead to pollution of air, soil and water. The ecosystem is at a loss and the lake water fills with leeches when it rains…The soil capping on the RDF dump contains ammonia, which is a highly inflammable gas. Sometimes it catches fire on its own and workers dump mud to cool it down.” When contacted, KCDC managing director VN Veerabhadra Swamy said the area has been checked and the corporation realises the problems posed to the residents. As per directions, he would be submitting a report to the High Court on Friday.
BBMP Joint Commissioner (Health) Sarfaraz Khan said everyday 80-100 tonnes of solid organic waste is sent to KCDC plant for composting. “If KCDC is closed down, that amount of waste should not be produced. Will city reduce its waste generation?’’ he asked.