BELAGAVI: Terming waste management authorities in Bengaluru city a mafia, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday told the Legislative Council that the government plans to set up four large-scale plants to convert waste to energy in BBMP jurisdiction.
Replying to a question by members Keshav Prasad S and HS Gopinath on solid waste management problems in BBMP, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said governments, whether JDS, BJP or Congress, had failed to resolve the issue because of the ‘garbage mafia’, but he will find a permanent solution to it.
Shivakumar said waste-to-energy projects of small capacity were inadequate to address the issue, and several had failed in the last couple of years.
“I visited some projects in Hyderabad, Chennai and other places, and we are planning to establish four big waste energy projects in four zones of BBMP. We are also looking for land in a radius of 15km for the purpose,” he said.
The deputy CM said contractors involved in solid waste management had formed a cartel and indulged in blackmail to get their funds released. “We have discussed the issue with Bengaluru legislators and they have agreed to find a permanent solution to tackle the garbage mafia. Only waste-to-energy projects with investment of up to Rs 2,000 crore can sustain. Soon after finalizing the plan, tenders will be floated,” he said.
Replying to a query by Umashree that the government would be taking steps to increase the number of baby feeding centres, BJP members sought to set up bigger baby feeding centres and constructing more toilets.
New policy to protect BBMP’s assets soon
Deputy CM Shivakumar on Thursday said a new policy to protect BBMP’s municipal assets will soon be framed. Replying to a question in the Legislative Council by member Govindaraju, he said the policy will aim at a one-time settlement or ensure high revenue returns.
Govindaraju had questioned the steps taken to utilize municipal corporation assets in Bengaluru.
He said the policy is pending due to various technical issues. “Marriage halls, educational institutions and temples have been built on corporation land. Considering the complexity of the issue, we are contemplating coming up with a separate set of rules through a new policy to address the issue. In some cases, very low rent is paid,” he said.
“The new policy will arrive at a one-time settlement to ensure revenue generation for the BBMP. We cannot take back land where temples have been built and it will be a one-time settlement by giving them the property considering the guidance value,” he said.
The deputy CM said the new policy is in the final stages and will be announced soon after due consultation with experts.