‘Smart control room’ to tackle city’s garbage problem

This was revealed at a meeting of stakeholders of East zone

An ‘integrated, centralised smart control room’ that enables the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to keep track of garbage collection and transportation vehicles is among the civic body’s plans to make waste management in the city more transparent and effective.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting of East zone regarding implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 on Monday, Special Commissioner (SWM) D. Randeep said the control room will enable digital storage of information, which will help the BBMP track, analyse, and evaluate the waste management system more effectively.

Other plans include having at least one dry waste collection centre in each of the 198 wards within a few weeks (around 165 already have one), and giving hand-held devices to civic officials, which will be linked to a receipt database to keep track of fines imposed and collected. This will be implemented within 45 days.

Subhash B. Adi, chairman of NGT-SLC, said, “Despite the government spending around ₹1,000 crore on the waste management system, we have not been able to tackle the problem effectively. Strict action will be taken against officers who are lethargic and negligent in carrying out their duties. Citizens who will not abide by the law will also be fined. Also, scheduled meetings of ward committees at scheduled time should be strictly conducted.”

N.S. Ramakanth, member of Technical Advisory Committee of SWM, said that sensitising people on segregation at source is important as the city is grappling with the problem in enforcing segregation of dry and wet waste at source. “Segregation at source has declined in recent times for various reason which is why the system has taken hit.”

Score card for officials

To tackle the problems of SWM system and to make the officers concerned accountable, BBMP is contemplating having score cards for officials, contractors, and other stakeholders by collaborating with active citizens and public forums.

Suggestions from participants

Pay based on performance and ‘perform or perish’ to contractors and officials

No political interference in penalising contractors and officials

Constant patrolling to check if people and commercial establishments throw garbage on roads and empty spaces and severe punishment for culprits

Extended Producer Responsibility on fast food and other commercial establishments where there is daily utilisation of low value plastic

Sensitise people on programmes like ‘waste to wealth’ and ‘Your garbage your responsibility’