Responding to BJP MLAs preventing garbage trucks from dumping waste at designated sites in their constituencies, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, emphasized that the government would not tolerate any hindrance to garbage disposal operations. He stated that action would be taken against those obstructing trucks from depositing waste at assigned locations. Shivakumar made these remarks in Bengaluru before departing for Guwahati, Assam.
Expressing concern over the interference with garbage disposal, Shivakumar warned that if any MLA prevented garbage vehicles from unloading waste, the government would cease garbage collection from their areas. He highlighted the necessity of adhering to designated dumping sites for waste disposal, emphasizing that the current sites were identified during previous administrations and the present government’s tenure.
The Deputy CM clarified that decisions regarding garbage disposal sites were made during both the Opposition’s and the current government’s terms. He mentioned the allocation of substantial funds for this purpose, acknowledging financial constraints and the need to release funds in phases. Shivakumar also revealed plans to identify four new garbage dumping sites, although land-related issues were causing delays.
Shivakumar questioned the rationale behind stopping garbage trucks, particularly citing the situation in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru. He emphasized that garbage disposal is a collective responsibility and criticized the obstruction of essential services. Additionally, he discussed his upcoming visit to Assam for political meetings and election campaigning, expressing confidence in the planned strategies and collaborations.
Addressing the ongoing protests by RTC staffers, Shivakumar urged them to reconsider their actions and cooperate with the government. He appealed to the staff to understand the state’s financial constraints and be content with the provisions made for them. The Deputy CM also responded to the verbal sparring between the Karnataka BJP and Congress government regarding the garbage disposal issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining essential civic services.
