Belagavi localities littered with garbage

Belagavi: There is much to recommend Belagavi for – its status as the undesignated second capital of the state, its distinction in bagging the top rank for implementation of Smart City projects, its tree-lined avenues, among others. While the local administrative bodies have done much to improve the standard of living for the residents of Belagavi, there is one problem that the authorities have failed to tackle satisfactorily – disposal and management of garbage.
Among others, residents of Gangywadi, Ramatheerth Nagar, Mahantesh Nagar and Azad Nagar, are upset with the waste piling up in their respective localities. Residents alleged that pourakarmikas deputed by the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) who visited their localities were not collecting waste at the doorstep, instead frittering away time glued to their mobile screens. Concerned citizens called on the BCC officials to take cognisance of dereliction of duty on the part of pourakarmikas, and to ensure that waste was collected without fail daily.
Gangawadi resident, Sunil Chougle, told TOI that waste in his area had been piling steadily over the past two months, with civic workers failing to collect garbage at their homes. “We have intimated local BCC officers about the problem, despite which no action has been taken. Our children, and the elderly are falling sick owing to mounting pile of waste in the area,” said Chougle.
Mahantesh, a local BJP worker, said that civic workers had not collected waste at Ramartheerth Nagar for more than two weeks. “Mounds of garbage dotting the road are an eyesore. These heaps of waste are attracting pigs and other animals. The BCC needs to act immediately, and address the problem,” he said.
Multiple attempts by TOI to contact BCC commissioner Rudresh Galli were to no avail since his phone was not reachable.