Karnataka HC clears B’luru garbage tender, orders digital waste management overhaul

Karnataka HC okays Bengaluru garbage tender, extends bid deadline, and orders tech-based waste tracking, grievance system, and oversight committee

The Karnataka High Court has granted the state government permission to proceed with the Bengaluru garbage tender floated in July 2025, dismissing objections raised by contractors. The decision, delivered by Justice Suraj Govindaraj on November 3, also mandates the creation of a comprehensive digital platform to enhance solid waste management across the city.

Contractors had challenged the tender, citing concerns over reduced participation opportunities and increased costs. They argued that the earlier tender withdrawn in 2024 had promised broader inclusion, but the new version limited the number of packages to 33. While the court rejected these claims, it extended the bid submission deadline to November 10, allowing contractors to form consortiums for participation.

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Acknowledging the deteriorating state of waste management in Bengaluru—marked by overflowing bins, blackspots, and rising health risks—the court issued directives to modernize the system. It called for a unified digital platform capable of tracking waste collection vehicles in real time, issuing penalties for violations, and maintaining performance records for each ward.

The court also instructed the Chief Secretary to establish a Nodal Oversight and Implementation Committee within 15 days. This committee will include senior officials from the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA), Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), law enforcement, scientific experts, and data specialists.

Further, the platform must feature a grievance redressal mechanism where complaints can only be closed by the complainants themselves, ensuring accountability. An administrative dashboard is to be developed to provide live updates on waste management assets, vehicle movements, ward-level analytics, and disposal metrics.

This ruling marks a significant step toward streamlining Bengaluru’s waste management operations, integrating technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and public health outcomes.