Bengaluru Takes Strict Action Against Waste Dumping on Vacant Sites
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is intensifying its efforts to curb the growing menace of waste dumping on vacant sites across the city. In response to the rising concern over cleanliness and public health, the BBMP has issued over 600 notices to the owners of vacant properties for neglecting their land, which has turned into illegal dumping grounds. The action, which began three months ago, highlights the BBMP’s growing commitment to enforcing waste management laws and addressing the city’s escalating garbage disposal issues.
The notices, served by the Revenue Department, are part of an ongoing effort to tackle the widespread issue of garbage being dumped on unmaintained plots. The BBMP’s move follows an order from the Chief Commissioner, Tushar Giri Nath, urging the Revenue Department to not only issue these notices but also include penalties as part of the property tax system. According to the BBMP Solid Waste Management Bye-Laws, landowners are legally obligated to maintain their vacant plots in a clean and hygienic condition. In particular, Section 18 (1) (b) mandates that property owners keep their sites free from garbage, while Section 15(2) prohibits the burning of solid waste on any premises, including vacant plots. Violating these regulations can result in significant fines.
Chief Marshal Officer, Colonel (Retd.) Rajbir Singh, revealed that the notices were issued in eight zones of the city, instructing violators to remove the accumulated garbage and take measures such as erecting walls to prevent future dumping. Singh also mentioned that violators who fail to clear the waste would face penalties up to ₹50,000, with the BBMP additionally recovering the costs incurred in waste removal. These expenses are calculated based on factors such as the quantity of garbage and the resources involved in clearing it, including manpower and vehicles. The BBMP’s approach aims to ensure that property owners take responsibility for the cleanliness of their land, thereby curbing illegal waste dumping across Bengaluru’s sprawling urban landscape.
Rising Concern Over Waste Burning and Irregular Dry Waste Collection
As the BBMP steps up its efforts to clean up vacant sites, citizens continue to face another pressing issue: the burning of garbage, particularly dry waste, across the city. Residents in various parts of Bengaluru have raised concerns about the irregular collection of dry waste, which often leads to the burning of waste in vacant plots. Smitha Rao, a resident of Uttarahalli, shared her experience of observing uncollected dry leaves set on fire by locals, a practice that not only creates severe air pollution but also poses health risks. Similarly, Varun from J.P. Nagar 9th Phase reported recurring incidents of dry waste being set on fire in vacant sites in his area, leading to hazardous smoke affecting the local population.
The problem of waste burning is more prevalent in the outer zones of Bengaluru than in the core city. According to a senior marshal, more than 150 wards across the city have reported incidents of garbage burning recently, exacerbating pollution levels and endangering public health. The situation is compounded by irregular waste collection services, particularly in less-developed areas. With the leaf fall season yet to fully take hold, many citizens are left with no option but to burn the accumulated dry waste. This problem underscores the need for a more systematic approach to waste management, particularly in terms of collection and disposal.
Sustainability and Civic Responsibility: A Call for Systematic Change
The issue of waste management and burning in Bengaluru is not just a question of civic cleanliness but also one of sustainability. The burning of waste releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to the city’s air quality problems, which are already a cause for concern. Environmental experts argue that such practices need to be urgently addressed to mitigate the city’s growing pollution problem. The BBMP’s crackdown on vacant site dumping is a step in the right direction, but a more comprehensive and sustainable approach is required to tackle the broader issue of waste management in Bengaluru.
Sustainability in waste management calls for more efficient public transportation systems, better waste segregation, and increased public awareness. One possible solution is to implement a more robust waste collection system, including the extension of door-to-door collection services and the construction of waste treatment plants to handle both dry and wet waste. Additionally, there is a growing need for creating public spaces that are free from illegal dumping and ensuring that vacant plots are utilised in an environmentally friendly manner. Such sustainable efforts can help in reducing pollution, enhancing public health, and improving Bengaluru’s overall quality of life.
