Bengaluru to adopt back soldier fly composting, govt plans new waste plants

Govt to introduce Black Soldier Fly composting in Bengaluru; new waste plants planned, opposition seeks law to curb garbage mafia

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced plans to introduce the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) composting technique in the city as part of a broader effort to tackle its mounting garbage crisis. The initiative, already tested in Mangaluru and praised at the national level, uses Black Soldier Flies to break down organic waste into nutrient‑rich compost, offering a sustainable solution to urban waste management.

The government has identified two major sites for new waste processing plants. In the north, 134 acres at Doddabelavangala in Doddaballapur have been earmarked, where the now‑defunct Terrafirma plant once operated. In the south, 84 acres in Gollahalli, Uttarahalli have been chosen. The Doddaballapur site carries a legacy of controversy, as the Terrafirma plant was shut down in 2016 due to pollution concerns, leaving behind nearly 25 lakh tonnes of untreated waste. Local representatives have voiced opposition to reopening the facility, citing public resistance.

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Shivakumar emphasized that the new plants will employ advanced technology to ensure scientific waste processing. Unlike the earlier privately‑run facility, the government will directly oversee operations, aiming to generate biogas and energy alongside compost. He acknowledged the scale of Bengaluru’s challenge, with the city and surrounding areas producing nearly 8,000 tonnes of waste daily, and stressed the need for modern facilities to manage this load.

The announcement also reignited debate on the role of vested interests in the city’s waste sector. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka urged the government to declare waste management an essential service, arguing that such a move would help curb the influence of the so‑called “garbage mafia.” He recalled past difficulties in ensuring uninterrupted garbage collection and offered bipartisan support for legislation to strengthen accountability. Shivakumar indicated that the proposal would be examined.

With the introduction of BSF composting and the establishment of new plants, the government hopes to transform Bengaluru’s waste management system, reduce environmental hazards, and improve urban hygiene. The initiative marks a significant step toward scientific, technology‑driven solutions for one of the city’s most persistent civic challenges.

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