Karnataka Lokayukta orders Bengaluru civic officials to explain garbage mismanagement

The Karnataka Lokayukta has issued notices to senior civic officials over alleged negligence in solid waste management in West Bengaluru, ordering them to appear on October 5 to explain lapses found during inspections. Surprise inspections in Vijayanagar, RPC Layout, Shamanna Garden, and Pipeline Road revealed garbage, animal and hotel waste, and construction debris dumped along roadsides, posing a serious public health threat. The Lokayukta cited repeated lapses despite monitoring as evidence of administrative negligence. Notices were sent to officials including the chief commissioner, commissioner, joint commissioner, and chief engineer of the western civic zone, plus Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd staff. Failure to appear could invite further action, the order warned.