Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, on Friday, talking about the issues being faced concerning solid waste management, said that some legislators were “blackmailing” the government over dumping yards and that waste management had indeed become something of a “mafia” in the city.
“When tender was floated in the past, vendors collectively moved court, stopping all work. The court has also not pronounced its verdict. Some legislators are blackmailing us about the dumping yard. I do not want to take their names. They are demanding ₹800 crore for their constituencies,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also pointed out that garbage trucks have been parked in the Mahadevapura constituency for several days and have become a big issue. “We are planning to visit Indore to study their model. Though we have not yet even floated tenders, the Opposition is already alleging that I have made ₹15,000 crores.”
Garbage collection in parts of the city was affected following a protest by the residents of Kannur village panchayat, where the Mittaganagalli landfill is situated. They were protesting against the waste dumping, which has led to stench and hygiene issues.
Published – March 15, 2025 12:17 am IST