Bangalore: The dumping yard for hazardous waste proposed at Dobbespet near Tumkur will be shifted to a 141-acre site at Chikka Hallur near Hoskote in Bangalore Rural district following opposition by the people of Dobbespet, who fear that the waste will contaminate the water-table in the surrounding areas.

Disclosing this to presspersons after a meeting of officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Environment Minister C. Chennigappa said that there are two ancient temples near the site identified at Dobbespet, and two highways pass by the area.

Water contamination

The water-table is just 220 ft below ground level and it could be contaminated if hazardous waste is dumped there, he said.

The Minister said the decision to shift the yard was taken after listening to the grievances of the local people.

Asked what will happen to the land acquired for the yard by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, he said the plan is to develop satellite towns on 10,000 hectares of land in Dobbespet and Thyamagondlu hoblis. The new townships will help decongest Bangalore to some extent.

The new dumping yard near Hoskote will cost around Rs. 40 crores, he said.

Mr. Chennigappa said two e-waste disposal facilities are operating at Dobbespet and Hoskote.

A squad has been formed to detect pollution of water in a radius of 2 km around Tippagondanahalli reservoir. The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 5 crores cleaning Bellandur Tank near the HAL airport, he said.

Identifying dumpsites

Bhoomanand Maanay, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, said the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has been directed to identify places for establishing yards for dumping municipal waste. The city requires several such yards, he said.

The Indian Air Force is ready to hand over land at Mavallipura for the purpose if the BMP gives a requisition letter. This dumping yard can be utilised for 20 years, he said.

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