Residents near several lakes, including Yele Mallappa Shetty (YMS) Lake and Kaikondrahalli Lake on Bengaluru’s outskirts, are reportedly being threatened by those engaged in the illegal dumping of solid waste in and around the water bodies. Residents say the unloading of waste has turned the lake surroundings into garbage dumps.

According to locals, trucks carrying solid waste arrive between midnight and early morning. Those who tried to capture the photos and videos of the illegal waste dumping were allegedly threatened by those in the vehicles.

Wee hour activities

“Doddabanahalli, the area near YMS Lake, has been rendered into a dumping yard. Most of the times, vehicles carrying waste come between 12.30 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. to dump the waste,” said Neethu K., a resident near the lake.

“A few days ago, a truck arrived at 7.30 a.m. When I tried to take photos and videos of the waste dumping, the truck driver called someone on the phone and the person on the phone started yelling at me and threatening me,” said Ms. Neethu.

According to her, the unknown person on the phone claimed to have political connections. Despite complaints to the panchayat officials and police, there has been no action so far, she added.

“Everyone seems to be afraid of the garbage mafia. They burn some of this garbage in the catchment area and whenever it happens, we hear peacocks screaming,” Ms. Neethu stated.

Burning waste

Locals near Kaikondrahalli Lake also report massive garbage burning near the lake and threats from those involved. Many also report health issues arising from the garbage burning.

“There was a huge garbage burning near Kaikondrahalli Lake a couple of days ago. When I tried to capture a video and picture, the person there threatened me and ran towards me,” said Kislay Komal, an active volunteer for lakes in the area.

Official apathy

Balaji Raghotham, who lives near YMS Lake, recollected that the police were not even willing to register a complaint when locals including him approached them four years ago.

“So far, volunteers have been very proactive, recording visuals of waste dumping and posting it on social media. But now, after receiving threats and no support from officials, they are becoming hesitant,” he noted.

He expressed that the illegal dumping issue is particularly severe on the outskirts of the city. Similar reports have emerged from areas near Gatahalli Lake in Anekal. There have also been reports of construction waste being dumped near Banaswadi Lake.

“It is also a problem of social mindset and inefficient waste collection. In many places, waste collection either does not happen or happens infrequently. So, people ask where else they can dump their trash. Some locals even support it as it makes encroachment easier,” said Mr. Raghotham.

When contacted regarding the issue of waste dumping at YMS Lake and Kaikondrahalli Lake, East City Corporation officials claimed they are unaware of the issue and will look into it.