Petition to Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.

It’s been five years since SwachaGraha Kalika Kendra (SGKK) was established in BBMP’s HSR Park, Sector 4. Even as regular maintenance and improvement efforts are on, authorities concerned have decided to relocate it without providing any reasons. The proposed move to shift the learning centre to KCDC premises, seemingly due to undisclosed pressures, has left us all in a state of shock. 

Over the years, we have been able to transform this once-unkempt park littered with construction debris into a thriving green oasis in the midst of a bustling locality, thanks to the support from donors, well-wishers and hundreds of volunteers coming from various parts of the city and even beyond. We've added attractive and meaningful installations that harmonise with the park's ambiance while promoting recycling and upcycling in an engaging and educative manner. 

Many of you have visited SGKK, appreciating our composting, plastic recycling and sustainable agricultural efforts. You've joined us in harvesting black gold, plogging, removing and recycling plastic and making raised beds. You have soiled your hands with delight to sow seeds or harvest verdant produce. You’ve squealed in excitement while holding earthworms in your hands! You fed our Gir cows, Gauri and Lakshmi, who play a vital role in closing the loop and taking waste back to the soil.

You've brought friends, family, children, students and colleagues to learn sustainable practices, something as simple as drinking from a coconut shell or celebrating under the tree canopies with freshly cut fruits, some grown here at SGKK itself. 

What more, this first-of-its-kind holistic experiment has morphed itself into India’s first composting learning centre attracting visitors—about 2,000 footfalls on an average over five years—from many States in India and even abroad. People from Assam, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and more, have visited the Centre, leaving behind glowing testimonials that inspire us to continue our sustainability journey together. 

An appeal to citizens and well-wishers:

We seek your support in signing this petition so that SGKK located in BBMP’s HSR Park, Sector 4, continues promoting best practices in SWM and serving as a model for sustainable living through community engagement.

An appeal to the authorities: 

This petition urges the Chief Secretary of Karnataka and the Chief Commissioner of BBMP to wholeheartedly endorse India’s first-of-its-kind SwachaGraha Kalika Kendra. Not only as a community engagement initiative that aids BBMP in raising awareness about solid waste management, but also as a government programme showcasing a commitment to citizen engagement and decentralised waste processing.

For your information: 

1. Both the MP and the MLA have shown strong support by providing letters of endorsement (link).
2. The HSR Citizen Forum, along with the local Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and community partners, are firmly committed to the Centre and have expressed their support through written endorsements (link).
3. The Centre currently functions as a park and is accessible to walkers and anyone wishing to utilise it just as any other public park.
4. The space allocated for structures and buildings falls well within the parameters outlined in the Karnataka Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Act, 1985.
5. Over the past five years, every commissioner and senior-ranking official have visited this park, which was inaugurated by the former mayor of Bangalore.
6. Due to the success of this unique model, several states have adopted it successfully at a scale hitherto unheard of:

• The Directorate of Municipal Administration of Karnataka (Government Order No. E8(CSSS 2021), Bengaluru date 19/04/21, Directorate letter 505977 - 9/21) has issued orders to establish SwachaGraha Kalika Kendra in various districts across Karnataka.
• The Government of Telangana has announced plans to establish Swachh Badi centres in 141 municipalities. 
• The Patna Municipal Corporation has also declared its intention to establish Swachhta ki Patshala.

1. BBMP Bye-Laws

• According to Chapter IV, Clause 14(4) of the BBMP Bye-Laws, the use of public parks and other suitable locations for establishing decentralised waste processing facilities is addressed.
• The clause states, "BBMP is obligated to promote in-situ processing of bulk horticulture and garden wastes within parks, gardens, and similar appropriate places whenever feasible. BBMP, either directly or through a designated service provider, is committed to establishing small-scale composting or bio-methanation plants within public parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, gardens, markets, large vacant lands owned and maintained by BBMP, or any other public authority or government department."

2. Park Regulations

• The term "park" is defined as a piece of land where there are either no buildings or where no more than 1/20th of the land is covered by buildings. The remaining portion is landscaped with trees, plants, flower beds, lawns, or meadows and is maintained for public recreational use, fresh air, or natural light.
• Clause (8) prohibits any person from constructing buildings or erecting structures that may impact the park, playground, or open space listed under Section 4 or Section 5. However, the executive authority, subject to prescribed rules, may permit the construction of buildings or structures that are necessary for enhancing or more effectively utilising the park, playground, or open space. 

3. About SGKK

• SwachaGraha Kalika Kendra, India’s first ever composting learning centre, is situated within the BBMP Park, located at 14th A Cross, 14th Main, Sector 4, behind the HP Petrol Bunk, near the BDA Complex in HSR Layout.
• Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), a consortium of waste management experts, conceived and designed the centre in collaboration with Foley Designs. SWMRT, in partnership with the HSR Citizen Forum, is responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility.
• To date, the Kalika Kendra has welcomed over 10,000 visitors, providing them with valuable hands-on learning experiences and demonstrations of home and community composting techniques. SGKK has also offered internships to deserving candidates from semi-urban and rural areas from across the State to boost their career/entrepreneurial opportunities.
• BBMP has installed a leaf shredding unit and supplies both wet waste and leaf litter to support composting activities at the centre. Additionally, they provide human resources for composting activities.
• SWMRT remains dedicated to the development and upkeep of this unique learning centre. This includes waste processing of up to one tonne per day, conducting outreach and informational campaigns on sustainable waste management practices for schools, colleges, corporations, RWAs and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), as well as offering training programmes for compost workers to create livelihood opportunities.