Waste processing plant in IT city reopens, residents complain of stench

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Residents of Banashankari 6th Stage in Bengaluru are forced to breathe polluted air that reeks of a waste processing plant in the area.

This particular plant, one among five waste aggregation facilities in the Yesvantpur constituency, had been shut down for the past five months due to persistent protests by local residents. However, it was recently reopened after a change in government.

The residents are raising concerns about the plant's emission of a foul odour, which extends over a radius of more than three kilometres.

They also complain about the accompanying mosquito and fly infestation, which poses a significant health threat.

"Our fundamental right to breathe fresh air is being compromised," expressed Kiran Kumar, a concerned resident.

"We chose to live near the Turahalli forest because it is one of the few remaining lung spaces in the city. But now we find ourselves enveloped in an overwhelming stench."

The residents are demanding either the permanent closure of the plant or its relocation to a more suitable location. Additionally, they are urging the government to establish ward-wise waste processing plants, thereby distributing the burden across multiple localities.

"We are not against waste processing," clarified Kiran, "but we expect it to be carried out in a manner that doesn't jeopardize our health."

Former MLA for the Yesvantpur constituency, ST Somashekhar, has voiced his opposition to the plant's reopening.

During a nine-day protest held by the residents in February 2023, Somashekhar met with them and pledged to convey their concerns to the government, leading to the plant's closure until May 2023. Unfortunately, the plant's operations are far from optimal, as effluents are discharged into the storm-water durian, which connects to the Sompura Lake.

"Given that the government does not provide us with Cauvery water for drinking, we rely on groundwater. However, the pollution of the lake is subsequently contaminating our groundwater," lamented TS Mahesh, president of the Banashankari 6th Stage Residents Welfare Association.

In recent years, residents have also protested against waste processing plants in Kannahalli, Subbarayanapalya, and Lingadheeranahalli. These ongoing protests underscore the urgent need for the government to adopt more sustainable waste management practices in Bengaluru.

The current system of transporting waste to landfills is both inefficient and environmentally harmful. While waste processing plants offer a more sustainable solution, their locations must be carefully chosen to avoid causing disturbances to local residents.