Big Bazaar fined for violating waste management rules; two bars penalised for using banned plastic!

Thanks to a few proactive officers, the BBMP has penalised the Big Bazaar outlet at Meenakshi mall on Bannerghatta Road for violating the rules of solid waste management. Similarly, two bars in HSR Layout were fined for using banned plastics. Both Shylaja Wines and Rockview Bar were found using plastic cups, and had violated the plastic ban on many occasions in the past too. Expressing his dismay, BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar says, “Despite BBMP creating widespread awareness among commercial establishments, some of them are yet to comply with the SWM rules.”

While lauding the move, resident Manjesh K asked the civic chief to also target the darshinis (Indian fast food joints) and Adigas in residential areas as “they are the worst”. To be fair, the BBMP has fined Adyar Ananda Bhavan in the past. Myntra was also fined for the same offence too.

On a similar note, the BBMP chief says that BBMP found a high usage of single-use plastics in bars and restaurants across Bengaluru. “Two such establishments were raided in HSR Layout and fined Rs 25,000 each,” he tweeted. Reacting to this, resident activist Shanthi Tummala said, “Our health inspector is an amazing person, rain or shine, there is everyday enforcement of defaulters.”

However, the situation isn’t as proactive in many other parts of Bangalore. Says resident Manju C: “Looks like BBMP is only active in HSR. I see other parts of Bangalore happily using plastics… check Mangammanapalya.” Vishnu LD wants the civic body to ask all the restaurants to completely ban plastic straws. “Please phase out plastic products one by one,” he says. “Start with straws.”

NS Chandrashekhar says that the plastic raids should happen on a larger scale across Bangalore in a concerted effort to bring in more compliance. “Plastic is being used extensively everywhere,” he says. “Raid all the bars in Bangalore.” On a different note, he also adds: “Provide proper long brooms to the workers, so they can sweep in standing position.”

Rajesh Rajah complains that the vegetable shops on Hennur Bagalur Road are “still giving out plastic bags”. M Yadhunandan is calling this raid an adhoc move by the agency. Says he: “Do you really have the guts to impose fine? Come with me… I will show hundreds of hotels using single use plastic. You only penalise the ones who don’t pay bribes.”

Sneha Suralikal asks the BBMP to raid beauty salons too, while Madhukar G says, “Some temples are giving Prasadam in single use plastic bags; please reach out to all the temples and ask them not to use them.”

G Vijay alleges that many “big hotels across Bangalore have “most of their toiletry packed in single use plastic.” Anil Lulla has a different concern: “Just wondering what will happen in summer? Will drinking glasses/ tumblers used in bars and restaurants be washed with water? With severe water shortage being predicted, what is the alternative for single use plastic in stand-up bars?”

Kapil KM asks BBMP to ban plastic at source. Says he: “Single use plastic is very much in daily use. Go to any departmental store… all the packaged branded lentils, sugar, tea and what not.”