CAG finds improprieties in waste management works of civic

Cases of improprieties in contract management of works relating to waste management wherein payment of Rs 630.28 crore was made to contractors for packages and additional works by the city civic body have been found by the Comptroller and Auditor General in a report.
Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike had also lost the assistance of Rs 280.17 crore due to delay in preparation of master plan, the CAG said in its findings on solid waste management in BBMP in its report on local bodies for the year ended March 31,2013, from 2008.
Inadequate operational controls resulted in weak financial management, leading to unfruitful and excessive expenditure as well as diversion of funds, it said.

A performance audit of solid waste management in BBMP showed, inter alia, the absence of a notified policy for solid waste management, resulting in lack of direction for effective management and scientific disposal of waste, the report tabled in the Karnataka Legislative Council today said.
Absence of reliable and complete data about quantum of waste generated in the city, non-preparation of contingency plan and inadequate institutional mechanism rendered waste management programmes ineffective, according to CAG.
Consequently, it said, the main objectives of minimising the burden on the landfills, as envisaged in Municipal Solid Waste Rules, and prevention of environmental degradation were not achieved.

The report said adequate efforts to mobilise revenue resources through user charges were not made to meet the cost of operation and maintenance for waste management.

Efficiency in collection of waste was poor and no efforts had been made to promote waste segregation. Lack of scientific processing facilities at landfill sites and non-compliance with the rules resulted in open dumping of mixed wastes leading to environmental pollution.
It also said the slaughter houses were functioning in total disregard of norms which was a matter of concern having adverse consequences on public health as well as the environment.
Lack of monitoring by BBMP and Urban Development Department resulted in unscientific disposal of wastes posing potential public health hazards.