The Opposition in the Legislative Council said pointed out that the government should not be hasty regarding the implementation of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Act, 2013.

The act provides for collecting fines from people who violate rules pertaining to garbage management and maintaining cleanliness in the city.

Former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda said, "Before implementing the act, the government must educate people and create awareness to bring about a sense of civic responsibility among Bangaloreans."

He went on to add, “In busy areas such as Chickpet, there is only one toilet available for hundreds of people. They have no option but to wait 20 minutes to use the facility. In this situation, how can you question people who are forced to address nature’s call,” he reasoned. He also questioned the lack of sanitation facilities implemented for police officers who spend the entire day at traffic signals.

MC Nanaiah (JD-S) said that if fines were to be imposed, it should be collected from BBMP, BWSSB and BDA agencies. He said, "The BBMP has conveniently shrugged off its responsibility to check the streets of dog menace too."

BJ Puttaswamy (BJP) added that action has to be taken against hotels, cigarette and paan shops, which has contributed to littering in the city.

HS Doreswamy and Leher Singh, (both BJP), however, welcomed the bill and asked the government to act tough so as to bring some order in the city.

Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said he was in no hurry for the bill to be passed, and that an awareness programme has been taken up by the government.

Reproduced from DNA