Bengaluru: BBMP’s Rs 764-crore sweeping machine proposal sparks controversy

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is considering importing 20 high-tech garbage sweeping machines at a staggering cost of Rs 764 crore to keep the city’s roads dust-free for the next seven years. The civic body has submitted a proposal to rent these machines, but the move has sparked discontent among sanitation workers, who fear it could impact their jobs.

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Under the proposal, the machines will be hired on a per-kilometre basis, with costs estimated at Rs 1,000 per kilometre of road cleaned. The pricing has been recommended by RITES Limited, a consultancy firm advising BBMP. Officials argue that this approach is cost-effective, but concerns remain about transparency and feasibility.

Entrepreneur and civic activist Mohandas Pai voiced strong opposition to the plan, taking to social media to question its financial prudence. "This is very wrong. Who has made the cost-benefit analysis? Put it in the public domain. Should not become another scam," Pai tweeted, tagging Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and BBMP officials.

The proposal has reignited debates about governance and accountability in city administration. Critics argue that public funds should be utilized more judiciously, while BBMP maintains that mechanized cleaning will enhance efficiency. The final decision on the proposal is yet to be made.