Bengaluru: The BBMP has previously tried various methods of preventing people from dumping garbage in the open within the city limits, but failed in all their attempts. Now, however, they have come up with a new plan to tackle the problem. They have taken a unique approach to the problem and have planned to hire retired army personnel, to be known as ‘Clean- Up Marshals’, to keep a watchful eye on public spaces from January next year. These special ‘Marshals’ can also penalise anyone dumping garbage in the city by filing a criminal case against offenders.

The decision to hire retired veterans was taken in a recent meeting of the Mayor, BBMP Commissioner, corporators and officials.

A senior at the BBMP stated that the marshals would be provided with salary, uniform, fuel and reimbursement of their mobile bills once they are recruited. They would also be trained to handle the public and deal with certain situations. In the first phase, the BBMP plans to hire 250 personnel and increase the number gradually, later on, he informed.

According to a statement released by a BBMP official, these marshals would be patrolling the 198 wards of the city between 5 AM and 1 AM.

Please for offenders have been proposed as Rs 100 for the first offence an increment of Rs 100 with each subsequent offence. If the people misbehave with them, the marshals can lodge a police complaint.

The civic body soon plans to submit a detailed project report to the government related to the scheme.