Bengaluru: Because of delayed salary payments by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), about 40 marshals deployed to protect the city's most infamous lakes at Varthur and Bellandur resigned about a week ago. As a result, the health of both waterbodies has become a serious concern for residents and activists, who fear a resurgence in unchecked dumping of waste in the absence of vigil.
According to lake activist Jagadish Reddy, the buffer zones around the lakes have been encroached by migrants who dump large volumes of waste. "This increases the risk of fire accidents and pollutants re-entering the lakes. About 45 marshals used to guard Varthur and Bellandur lakes in 24x7 shifts. However, since the past week, only 2-3 marshals can be seen at the lakes," he said.
"Because of the pollution of the lakes, the National Green Tribunal took up a case and imposed a penalty of Rs 500 crore on the state govt. Bangalore Development Authority was tasked with rejuvenating the lakes, while the BBMP was made responsible for security measures such as installing CCTV cameras and deploying marshals," Reddy pointed out.
Earlier, 25 marshals each were posted at Varthur and Bellandur lakes. A patrol vehicle was also provided to monitor the areas surrounding the lakes. According to marshals, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) doesn't pay salaries on time; in fact, wages are issued only once every three or four months. Because of such delays and mounting financial pressure, nearly 40 marshals have resigned, said a senior marshal on the condition of anonymity.
"There are off-road vehicles that we're supposed to use for lake patrols, but the solid waste management department doesn't provide fuel. We're expected to pay out of pocket, even for vehicle repair, which is very challenging considering we get peanuts," the marshal rued.
Another marshal said, "BBMP doesn't release our salaries. In Jan, marshals with NCC backgrounds were promised a salary of Rs 20,000, but they were paid only Rs 13,000. How can we run a household on such a meagre amount?"
BBMP chief engineer Vijaykumar Haridas told TOI they aren't responsible for the marshals and BBMP has not officially deployed anyone. "There are home guards who monitor the lakes and they are being paid regularly. The marshals are not under our purview," he said.
Meanwhile, BSWML officials claimed ignorance, saying they weren't "aware of the issue yet".