A meeting over the contentious Karnataka Compost Development Corporation unit at HSR Layout turned into a protest after no official showed up on Monday.
More than a hundred residents had turned up for an open house discussion. “We had to re-schedule twice because of these officials. We wanted them to know what residents think about the plant rather than hearing it from experts or NGOs,” said Kamesh Rastogi from the Kudlu, Haralukunte, Hosapalya, Somsundarpalya, Parangipalya Resident Welfare Association (KHHSPRWA), which represents the areas affected by the stench from the waste processing plant.
The plant is situated amidst densely populated areas. Residents have been voicing their concerns for more than two years now.
KCDC Chairman Kenchagowda claimed that he was not aware of the meeting. The Corporation has sought some time to set up an alternative plant before closing their only existing plant. “We suggested shifting this to KGF, but that led to some problems. We understand the concerns of the residents, but there is no alternative so far,” he said.