The construction of the waste segregation plant at Banashankari 2nd Stage, which was stalled for a while following protests by local residents, is set to commence.
The plant, being constructed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is coming up near the aquatic centre there.
“Our home will be unliveable if the plant comes up close to it. All the residents in the area have signed a petition to stop the construction,” said P. Govindaraju, whose house borders the site.
ADVERTISEMENT
The plot was earlier used to park vehicles and when construction commenced nearly a fortnight ago, residents say they were not informed of the nature of the land utilisation.
Safia Naaz, who has been residing in the area for the past 33 years, fumed: “The construction began without residents being informed. When we demanded the information, we were told that it was a health office. But later, it turned out to be a dump yard.”
On realising that the plot would be utilised for waste segregation, the residents, in a signed letter to BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah, made their opposition clear.
ADVERTISEMENT
L. Govindaraju, Ganesh Mandir ward councillor, also submitted a petition, which halted the construction temporarily.
According to an employee of the Banashanakari aquatic centre, the land belongs to the BBMP but was originally earmarked for a parking area for the pool.
BBMP officials justified the land use saying it is only following the Karnataka High Court’s November 2012 order making it mandatory to set up waste segregation centre in each ward.
K. Siddegowda, Chief Engineer (South Zone) of the BBMP said: “Orders (for construction) have been issued but the date for resuming it is yet to be confirmed. But it will be completed by the end of this month.”