Bengaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the growing problem of garbage accumulation in vacant plots, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced that it will levy penalties on owners of such properties. Additionally, the BBMP will recover the costs of waste disposal from these property owners, incorporating these charges into the property tax.
This directive comes under the auspices of the Solid Waste Management Rules-2016, Solid Waste Management By-Laws 2020, and the BBMP Act-2020. As per the order, BBMP’s zonal offices are now responsible for identifying vacant plots and public spaces used for illegal dumping of solid waste or construction debris, as well as areas with dense vegetation causing nuisance to neighbours. Once identified, property owners will receive notices giving them a seven-day period to clear the waste. Failure to comply will result in BBMP stepping in to remove the waste, followed by a notice to the owners to pay the incurred costs and penalties. These penalties are outlined in Schedule-VII of the Solid Waste Management By-Laws.
The penalties and removal costs will be documented in the property tax records and must be settled along with the property tax. A new column will be added to the property tax receipt to account for these charges. Should property owners fail to make the payment within the stipulated period, the zonal commissioners have the authority to impose additional interest charges. BBMP’s chief commissioner has emphasised that this initiative aims to maintain cleanliness and mitigate health hazards in the city. He has urged residents to ensure their vacant properties are free from waste to avoid penalties and contribute to the city’s cleanliness.
This directive reflects a stringent approach by the BBMP to address waste management issues in Bengaluru. The accumulation of garbage in vacant plots has long been a problem, leading to various health and environmental concerns. By enforcing these penalties, the BBMP aims to deter property owners from neglecting their responsibilities and to promote better waste management practices. The implementation of these measures is expected to bring about a significant improvement in the city’s cleanliness. It also aligns with broader efforts to enhance urban living standards and public health. Effective waste management is crucial in a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru, where population density and urbanisation can exacerbate the challenges of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Furthermore, the BBMP’s move underscores the importance of civic responsibility among property owners. By penalising those who allow waste to accumulate on their plots, the civic body aims to foster a sense of accountability and encourage proactive measures to keep the city clean. The penalties and associated costs will serve as a financial deterrent, compelling property owners to take immediate action to prevent waste accumulation. This, in turn, will reduce the burden on the BBMP’s waste management resources and contribute to more efficient and effective waste disposal operations.
