BBMP's 'Kasa Kiosk' plan receives mixed response

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning to set up ‘Kasa (garbage) Kiosks’ across 76 locations in the city, to curb black spots due to garbage dumping on the roads.

However, this move has received mixed reactions from activists in Bengaluru. A few Solid Waste Management (SWM) activists think this brings back garbage bins, which was banned two decades ago.

‘Kasa Kiosks’ were set up by the BBMP in association with Saahas NGO as part of a pilot project in 2018. Following a High Court order in 2002 to remove garbage bins from the roads, the civic body has been planning several alternatives like semi-underground bins and 'Kasa Kiosk,' to reduce black spots on the city roads.

However, the activists have raised concerns regarding the maintenance of these kiosks.

"The kiosk which had been set up earlier had become a hub for rats without proper manning. Moreover, this goes against the earlier court ruling, which had ordered removal of bins from streets and Swachh Sarvekshan campaign," V Ramprasad, a SWM activist said.

The activists also indicated that the separation of wastes would go for a toss as people do not bother segregating dry and wet waste before it is brought to the kiosk.