Azim Premji calls for citizens' movement against garbage problem

BANGALORE: IT czar Azim Premji today exhorted Bangaloreans to spearhead a citizens' movement and stage protests against non-clearance of tonnes of garbage rotting on the streets.

"I think there should be a strong citizens' movement for this; you agitate. It's ruining your health, it's ruining the health of your parents and it's ruining the health of your children," the Wipro chairman said.

Premji, while speaking to reporters here, expressed concern over the "amount of viral fever which is going around in Bangalore" and waste materials being released into lakes, causing pollution.

"I think it's a very serious problem," he said. He said there are pollution-reforming and pollution- control machineries, but three-fourth of them do not work.

The waste is entirely released into the river, part of which is used for drinking water purposes, he said, adding, in many parts of the city, the "dump" (garbage) is now extending to the streets.