Bengaluru, grappling with worsening garbage crisis,sees city corporation commissioners pushing to control waste collection from Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML). A senior Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) official said a proposal is in works,with transfer expected once waste collection tenders are finalized. BSWML keeps waste processing duties.
Now,BSWML handles entire waste management—from door-to-door collection to processing. City corporations focus on clearing black spots. But coordination issues plague their relationship,leading to rising complaints. At GBA meeting two months ago,commissioners vented frustrations,saying without full control,addressing garbage issues becomes nearly impossible.
In response,GBA plans to draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) letting city corporations oversee all ground operations,including waste collection. A commissioner stressed garbage crisis stems from interconnected factors like black spots,auto-tippers,staffing,collection timings. “When these aspects are overseen by different entities, there is very little scope for conducting meaningful on-ground assessments,” he said.
Effective management needs understanding of waste generation at ward level. Specific collection times for auto-tippers and holding waste collectors accountable are key. By analyzing data on waste volume and black spot locations,city officials hope to find underlying issues,develop targeted solutions.
Micro-planning at ward level is crucial. It fosters broader understanding of garbage crisis,necessary for sustainable solutions. Current setup,with various departments handling different waste management aspects,is inadequate. Citizen participation is vital,yet engagement has declined . One commissioner noted residents often share responsibility for litter problem,showing little regard for public spaces or waste collectors.
Bhyranna,a waste collector in Ejipura,highlighted ground challenges . Many residents don't segregate waste,complicating collection. “Some,especially those who order food,throw leftover food that is already fungus-infested directly into the auto,” he said,noting difficulty of handling such waste without proper gear.
To build sense of collective responsibility,civic bodies may involve citizen volunteers in daily waste collection. A commissioner suggested that when residents take ownership of neighborhoods, they're more likely to challenge habitual litterers,promote community-led initiatives . “BSWML is currently not doing this, which is a major intervention we need,” he added.
In HSR Layout,citizen volunteers join auto-tippers daily,encouraging proper waste disposal . Their door-to-door awareness campaigns led to some areas being declared black spot-free.
Push for greater control over waste management by Bengaluru's city corporations signals need for integrated solutions . As garbage crisis deepens,call for coordinated efforts,community engagement grows more urgent…
