The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the city gets a higher ranking in Swachh Survekshan 2019, is set to take up another round of clearing and eliminating black spots.
The first time around, areas that were cleared of garbage black spots, were decorated with rangoli designs. The BBMP, with the assistance of The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of volunteers, has been able to rid the city of nearly 400 black spots so far.
According to D. Randeep, BBMP’s Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), this time around, the civic body plans to start its visual cleanliness drive from Sankranti. “The Sankranti Rangoli Habba will be held from January 15 to 25. It’s not just for volunteers from The Ugly Indian and BBMP’s junior health officials and pourakarmikas. Local and private organisations can participate in the drive,” he said.
Recently, the BBMP transformed a transfer station and lorry point near Ranka Colony Road, Bilekahalli, after residents staged a protest. “Once we cleared and reclaimed the space, public perception transformed in favour of the BBMP. Residents and BBMP personnel will together be celebrating the reclamation of the space by drawing rangolis there,” he said.
Awareness campaign
The civic body has also started an IEC (Information Education Communications) campaign to create awareness among citizens about the ongoing Swachh Survekshan 2019. Citizens’ response is an important category in the survey.
“Citizens have to be aware that Bengaluru is participating in the Swachh Survekshan 2019 that began on January 4. There are seven questions that citizens, who may be chosen randomly by the survekshan team, will have to respond to, such as whether it is easy to spot litter bins in commercial and public areas, whether waste is being segregated, whether the segregated waste gets processed, if the public toilets and urinals are accessible and clean, etc. Citizens may also call 1969 to vote in favour of the BBMP,” Mr. Randeep added.