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Mounds of garbage have been piling up at the junction of Bore Bank Road and Harris Road in Benson Town over the last few days, causing concern among residents.

Residents blame the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) garbage contractors for the mess. Bore Bank Road lies between Jayamahal Road and S.K. Garden Road. The area apparently is “out of the jurisdiction” of the contractors of both these areas. “The area used as a garbage segregation point by the contractors, has now become a permanent dumping site,” said Sanchia D’Souza, a resident of Bore Bank Road. Despite repeated complaints, officials have cleared the garbage.

Garbage piled up at Harris Road, Benson Town, Bangalore. Photo: Nithish P. Byndoor

Other residents complained of the stench and various health hazards that they are exposed to. Mosquitoes, house flies and rats menace has increased, they say.

“One of my tenants died of dengue last year. I have high blood pressure and I need fresh air. However, because of this dump, I can’t even keep my windows open,” said 80-year-old G.E. Vegas. She said garbage was being dumped the adjacent railway track also.

Most residents are afraid of children falling ill. “I run a playschool and take care of children aged between two and six years. I will be held responsible if they fall ill. Moreover, the stench makes it difficult for us to stay indoors. It becomes unbearable when it rains,” said Anita Prakash, owner of Shantiniketan play home.

When this reporter contacted the garbage supervisors from S.K. Garden Road and Jayamahal Road, both claimed that the area did not come under their jurisdiction. “The junction of Harris Road and Bore Bank Road is not in my jurisdiction. I am responsible to only for a certain stretch of Bore Bank Road. The area in question is in another ward,” claimed Devi Sridhar, garbage supervisor of S.K. Garden Road.

However, Gunashekar M.R., supervisor of Jayamahal Road, told The Hindu that he had visited the spot and spoke to the residents of the area. “I have spoken to my superiors. They have assured me of looking into the matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, a senior BBMP official, who wished to remain anonymous, was taken aback when apprised of the garbage supervisors’ response.

“The garbage collection is the responsibility of the contractor. I am shocked to hear that the supervisors have washed their hands of in this matter. I will inform the BBMP’s joint commissioner concerned and ensure that the garbage is cleared,” the official said.