Bengaluru: The conflict between Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) and its contractors has escalated into a full-blown civic crisis, with garbage piling up across the city. Officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) have now stepped in, with one of them stating, "There is a clear breakdown in coordination between the implementing agency and contractors."
Dispute Over Waste Segregation Norms
The dispute, which has disrupted door-to-door waste collection in multiple wards, revolves around compliance with waste segregation norms. BSWML insists that contractors must adhere to rules mandating segregation at source and during collection. Contractors, however, argue that inconsistent directives and impractical enforcement have made operations unviable.
Confusion and Strikes
A GBA official noted that the lack of clarity, particularly shifting instructions on collecting wet, dry, and sanitary waste on different days, has created confusion among sanitation workers. In March, more than 300 workers went on strike, protesting the additional burden of waste segregation being imposed on collection staff. Contractors temporarily halted operations, alleging worker exploitation.
Resource Shortage
The crisis is compounded by a shortage of resources. "A ward ideally requires 20 waste collection vehicles, but only 12-13 are operational. In addition, many vehicles are running without cleaners, forcing drivers to undertake both driving and waste collection duties," the official added.
Corrective Measures Proposed
Kari Gowda, CEO of BSWML, said, "We are considering a series of corrective measures, including redeployment of officials, streamlining of contracts, and better monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance without disrupting operations. There is also a proposal to reassess the vehicle and manpower requirements ward-wise."
High Court Adjourns Hearing on Tender
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned to Friday the hearing on a petition challenging the tender notification issued on March 25 by BSWML. S N Balasubramaniam, who claims to be the lowest bidder, has sought a disciplinary enquiry against Kari Gowda, CEO of BSWML, and Tushar Girinath, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, for allegedly seeking illegal gratification.
According to Balasubramaniam, on March 10, Gowda explained to him in detail the "formalities and obligations" he needed to fulfill. These included 3% of the price bid to be paid to board members, another 3% to Girinath and his department, and 9% to the government. Balasubramaniam said he submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary seeking action against the two IAS officers.
On Thursday, when the court heard the matter, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty submitted that on March 10, the officer (Kari Gowda) was not in Bengaluru at all and presented his flight tickets as proof showing his travel to New Delhi. However, counsel for the petitioner said he was ready to file an affidavit in support of his allegations.
