BSWML returns waste to homes of litterbugs in Bengaluru

In a bid to eliminate black spots in the city, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has started tracking illegally dumped waste and returning it to responsible households.

BSWML Chief Executive Officer Karee Gowda said: Hindu It was stated that within the scope of the awareness and implementation campaign, 190 households were identified throughout the city and the waste they had thrown away was returned to them on October 30.

Although the exercise is a pilot initiative, Mr. Gowda said the drive will continue once a week. Repeat offenders are fined between 500 Indian rupees and 5,000 Indian rupees, depending on the frequency of violation, location and amount of waste dumped.

According to BSWML, police officers have been deployed and instructed to videotape habitual waste dumpers in areas with persistent black spot problems. Based on these videos, authorities identified and classified criminals based on the frequency of their actions. Repeat offenders were then tracked down and the waste they disposed of was delivered to their homes under official supervision.

Mr Gowda said the use of video evidence by officials was for the purpose of providing evidence while returning waste. Going forward, the agency also plans to accept videos from the public to strengthen enforcement and increase accountability.

The waste management authority will also review CCTV footage of repeat offenses wherever possible. The company already tracks vehicles and fines people who dump illegal waste.

While many residents supported the initiative, it also received criticism.

A resident of Ejipura in south-east Bengaluru said irregular waste collection in his area has led to accumulation of garbage.

“I live with my colleague. We both leave home around 7.30 am. On some days, the waste collection vehicle arrives at 7 am, but other days, it comes around 8.30 am, when we’re already gone,” she said, adding that people are left with no option but to dump waste by the roadside.

City dropped in Swachh Survekshan rankings

The campaign follows harsh criticism of the agency for its failure to prevent blackspots and inadequate enforcement. BSWML has also come under government scrutiny following the city’s poor performance in this year’s Swachh Survekshan rankings.

Since taking over, new CEO Mr. Gowda has launched several initiatives, starting with strict enforcement against single-use plastic. The agency began removing discarded furniture from roads and sidewalks. It has also set up a waste kiosk in Koramangala and plans to expand the initiative soon.