Bengaluru faces mounting waste crisis as daily output hits 6,000 metric tons

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is confronting a severe waste management challenge as the city generates an unprecedented 6,000 metric tons of waste daily. Despite National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, improper waste disposal and ineffective processing facilities continue to exacerbate the issue.

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While household waste collection exceeds expectations, segregation efforts remain insufficient across apartments, housing complexes, and individual homes.

Limited Disposal Options

Mitiganahalli is currently Bengaluru’s only functional landfill, as most of the city’s seven waste processing units are either shut down due to technical problems or stalled by public protests. Officials pin hopes on the upcoming waste-to-energy plant in Bidadi, which boasts an 11.5 MW capacity, and a 370-MW liquefied natural gas-based power plant in Yelahanka, both expected to ease the city’s waste burden.

Criticism of BBMP’s Inaction

Critics argue that BBMP has failed to implement new waste management strategies in the last two years, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. Activists claim the civic body has disengaged from community involvement, further deepening the crisis.

Activists urge BBMP to prioritize waste segregation at the source, enforce penalties for violations, establish decentralized processing units, collaborate with communities and adopt zero-waste policies. Without immediate action, the waste crisis will worsen in the city.

Environmentalists also emphasize public awareness and sustainable practices, warning of severe health risks from improper waste handling.