Is there any proposal for involving foreign private agencies for
processing garbage like in Chennai?
Yes. In fact it was just yesterday that we got a proposal from a private firm for
processing and converting the city’s garbage into power. And in addition they have
also agreed to supply us the incinerators for medical waste from health centres and
hospitals. Though we initially thought we would oversee the whole process, we now feel
that handing it over entirely to private hands will be the best solution.
What about the issue of polluted lakes, like the Ulsoor Lake? What steps have been
taken?
Since half of the Ulsoor lake is the property of the Military, any scheme for cleaning
Ulsoor will have to be jointly done with the Military. So far we have not been able to
come up with a plan of action yet.
What is your view on the city’s stray dog problem?
It is not only stray dogs, stray horses and cows are also a problem. We have estimated
that there are over 200 to 300 dogs in each ward of the city. Since there are 100 wards,
their numbers are alarming. They are proving to be a menace.
But the animal organisations feel the sterilization programme should solve the
problem?
No way. By sterilization, it will take years to bring down the population of strays. They
are dangerous and there have been several instances of attacks. If there are any more
cases of stray dog attacks on children, I shall be forced to implement the Karnataka
Municipal Corporation Act.
What about the stray cows and horses?
Right now, we do not have a place to bury the dead stray horses or cows. Even the animal
organisations say they have no space. Earlier it used to be the Khadi Board who used to be
responsible for the disposal of dead horses, cows and other animals. Now they have no
funds to do it. We are facing a problem as there is no land for burial and therefore we
have to dump them along with the garbage in the dumps outside citylimits. Moreover, the
Jain Associations are against killing of the stray cows. So most of the animals are
starving to death.
And the illegal hoardings?
Yes. We are coming down strong on them and are having them brought down. Also we will be
banning hoardings which have coloured neon lights on them, (like the advertisement
hoarding for a popular brand of shampoo) which are a dangerous traffic hazard. We have
made a new set of guidelines for hoardings. There will be an open, transparent auction for
each hoarding, which shall be allotted to the highest bidder.
What is your New Year message to the citizens?
May all Bangaloreans have a happy and prosperous New Year and support and participate in
making Bangalore a clean and green city!
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