Bangalore: Save us from garbage mess, say children

Bangalore: Given the current garbage situation in Bangalore, it is interesting to take note of the future generation’s perspectives on the same. Around 2,000 children voiced their opinion on the whole issue and students from 50 schools signed and submitted a memorandum to Shankarlinge Gowda, the former commissioner of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), recently.

Children also made a human chain to spread awareness on the same. A few schools that took active part in the drive are Sacred Heart Girls High School, Army Public School, St Josephs Boys High School, Prasiddhi School, Baldwin Boys High School, St Josephs Indian High School, St Aloysius Boys High School, Frank Anthony Public School and Delhi Public School.

The event was held by an NGO which also made it possible for thousands of children to voice their concerns on the city’s looming garbage crisis to the BBMP and citizens alike.

2,000 children voiced their opinion on the issue and students from 50 schools signed and submitted a memorandum.

Children’s memorandum to BBMP

- Ensure greater transparency in awarding and implementing garbage removal and disposal contracts.

- Make garbage segregation at source compulsory. Ensure safe and scientific landfills

- Ensure that pourakarmikas employed by garbage contractors are secured of minimum wages and safe working conditions

Gowda's response

The former commissioner responded to the memorandum by requesting children to reject consumerist lifestyles. He also sought directives from the Lok Adalat to implement segregation at source. As Bangalore has been suffering the consequences of a decade of poor policies, mismanagement, neglect and corruption by the government in solid waste management; children understand that they will possibly face the consequences to health and safety.

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