Public outrage grows over garbage and traffic chaos near Lalbagh

Bengaluru residents are voicing strong criticism over the worsening garbage and traffic problems near Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Social media platform X has been flooded with images and complaints showing garbage trucks parked along the road and waste dumped right outside the park. 

How did we allow Lalbagh exterior to become a traffic and garbage mess ? Depressing ! @BBMPCOMM@BBMPofficial@BBMPAdmn@BBMPSWMSplComm@blrtrafficwatch@blrcitytraffic now you allow garbage trucks and cabs to park here see the mess! @ChristinMP_@TVMohandasPai@DKShivakumarpic.twitter.com/vzVIKOLTTg

— Sharmila kharab (@Sharmilakharab)

How did we allow Lalbagh exterior to become a traffic and garbage mess ? Depressing ! @BBMPCOMM@BBMPofficial@BBMPAdmn@BBMPSWMSplComm@blrtrafficwatch@blrcitytraffic now you allow garbage trucks and cabs to park here see the mess! @ChristinMP_@TVMohandasPai@DKShivakumarpic.twitter.com/vzVIKOLTTg

— Sharmila kharab (@Sharmilakharab) April 3, 2025

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One user questioned how such a historic place was allowed to turn into a “garbage and traffic mess,” tagging the BBMP and Bengaluru Traffic Police. Others echoed similar frustrations, with many pointing out that footpaths are blocked by trash, making walking difficult and unpleasant. 

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The outrage isn’t limited to Lalbagh. Citizens reported similar issues in several areas, including RT Nagar, which houses residences of former ministers and officials, and Banashankari, where users said the situation is equally dire. “The stink is unbearable and there is trash everywhere. There’s no place to walk,” one post read. 

Many users expressed frustration over the lack of response from civic authorities despite repeated tagging and appeals on social media. Some even proposed starting  a petition, calling the city’s condition “Depressing” and “Going from bad to worse.”

Amid growing complaints, the BBMP has introduced a Solid Waste Management (SWM) user fee, effective from April 1, as part of an effort to improve waste collection and disposal. The fee is mandatory for all property owners and will be collected along with property tax. 

The BBMP aims to raise Rs 685 crore this fiscal year through this initiative to strengthen the city’s waste management infrastructure.

Despite the policy, residents continue to demand stricter enforcement, cleaner public spaces and greater accountability from authorities to address the city’s mounting  garbage crisis.