Krishna Rajendra Market, one of the oldest markets in the city, will remain closed on the last Tuesday of every month when an intensive cleaning drive will be undertaken.
This decision was taken by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Siddaiah during an early morning inspection of the market, along with members of the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT) on Friday. The first drive will be on February 26.
After a detailed discussion with the K.R. Market Traders’ Association and members of the SWMRT, the BBMP decided to rope in non-governmental organisations for the cleaning exercise.
More vegetable waste
The market generates around 70 tonnes of waste every day, largely comprising vegetable waste. The BBMP has already issued a work order for the setting up of a biogas unit with a 10-tonne capacity at the market to Ashoka Bio-Gas Agency. The Chief Engineer (Solid Waste Management) has been directed to follow it up and ensure that the unit is set up soon.
Until the unit is up and running, officials have been instructed to send vegetable waste to the goshalas (cow sheds) or to farmers’ fields where it can be composted.
A task force comprising SWMRT members, zonal commissioner, chief engineer, Revenue and Health officials will be formed to monitor market cleanliness, segregation of waste and control the use of plastic. A special cell will be set up to manage the market and the biogas unit.
Officials have been directed to clear the accumulated waste from the market within the next 48 hours.
Four gates will be put up at the market to control the movement of strays, especially stray cattle. There are nearly 60 officials from the Revenue and Health departments overseeing the management of the market. These officials have now been directed to also monitor the segregation of waste and control the use of plastic bags.
