Bangalore, August 16, 2013: The city is known for its exuberant celebrations of festivals such as Gowri and Ganesha, Dasara, Bakrid and Diwali. During these festivals, city streets and markets wear a festive look.

However, the day after the celebrations, the scene across the city is of strewn banana stems, garlands, rotting fruits and tell-tale signs of celebrations.

There is almost a two-fold increase in the quantum of garbage generated in the city during these festivals.

To ensure that cleanliness in the city is maintained, especially during and after festivals, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner M. Lakshminarayan has directed officials to monitor garbage clearance on these days.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner directed the zonal additional/ joint commissioners and chief engineers to monitor the generation of waste and its clearing.

They have been directed to be available in their respective offices and monitor the situation so as to not inconvenience the citizens.

A senior BBMP official, on condition of anonymity, told The Hindu that while the officials can only monitor the situation, the onus lay on the garbage contractor to clear the excess waste.

“The garbage contract expressly states that the contractor will be responsible to clear the excess waste generated during festivals by whichever means. He will have taken into account such contingencies while participating in the tender,” the official stated.

Source: The Hindu, DT. August 16, 2013.