BBMP yet to roll out new solid waste collection measures

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Solid Waste Management has always been a challenge in a densely populated city such as Bengaluru. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Company Limited (BSWMC) – a Special Purpose Vehicle came into existence last year to address this issue effectively.
Amid reports of the BBMP making major changes in the procedure of collection and transportation of solid waste, the corporation’s Special Commissioner for Solid Waste Management told News Trail that the move has not yet been finalised.
The decision to operate two separate vehicles for the collection of dry and wet waste is being seen as a move that will place an additional financial burden on the BBMP.  However, the decision can be taken only after the due process which is still under way, according to Harish Kumar, Special Commissioner (SWM).
“The Technical Advisory Committee constituted by the BSWMC and the BBMP will submit its recommendations in about a week. The recommendations will then be placed before the BSWMC’s Board of Directors for approval,” he said.
The BBMP’s main aim behind reforming the process of collection and transport seems to be ensuring segregation of waste at source. Most of the ‘black spots’ in the city are also due to the mismanagement of dry waste.
According to a BBMP official, most other major cities employ a single vehicle for garbage collection. He opined that experts are seldom concerned about costs and budgetary allocations while giving their recommendations. “On the other hand, the contractors feel they know better about the ground reality of collection and transportation. A meeting with the contractors has reportedly been scheduled this week, in which they will share their perspectives on improving the system,” he said.
Collecting dry and wet waste by the same vehicle, though in separate compartments, seems to be a practical solution as people prefer handing over both the bins at once. This option is also cost-effective in wake of the rising fuel prices.
Awareness among the citizens is another key factor that ensures efficient waste management. “People must develop responsibility towards their domestic waste. Many people tend to dump garbage irresponsibly in case the vehicle does not turn up for a day or even when they fail to hand over waste to the Pourakarmikas in time. Whatever be the decision of the board, we intend to bring accountability in the whole process,” another BBMP official said.