This Article is From Dec 02, 2011

Foul smell drives people away from Bangalore bus shelters

Sirsi Circle is one of the busiest junctions in the city which was once known for its green canopy. The passengers who wait for buses here at Sirsi Circle Bus Stop (which leads to Chamrajpet) are made to bare the brunt of the sun and rain as the bus shelter reserved for them are occupied by heaps of garbage. The foul smell out of the dumped garbage keeps the passengers away from the bus shelters.  Passengers also alleged that bus shelter which is not maintained well and is occupied by rag-pickers.

Alleging the political representatives for their inaction Hema N, a shop-keeper said, "We brought this issue to the many people. Nobody gave an heed to it. Our business is affected as the BMTC buses stop right in front of our shops as the passengers wait for buses near our shops. We even cannot keep an eye on who is littering as we will be busy with our own work."

"The people who run hotels here are the ones who create this inconvenience. They easily dump their garbage here. Sometimes the BBMP garbage collecting auto comes and cleans up the mess. But again some or the other litter near the bus stop. The ones who litter here must be fined. We are finding it difficult to carry out our normal work due to the foul smell and mosquitoes," said Atheeq Ahmed, owner of puncher shop which is right next to the bus stop.

When City Express took up this issue with the area Corporator B V Ganesh, he said "It is my duty to respond to the complaints of the people. I have been attending to this issue. Earlier too, the same thing happened and I immediately directed the concerned officials to take action."

He added, "we are doing our duty and even the citizens must have some responsibility. They should hand over the garbage to the BBMP garbage collection vehicle."

He said that incidences like these are unavoidable and happen 4-5 times every month. He refused to comment when asked if he had any plans of setting up common dumping pits to avert this type to mess in the future.
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