BENGALURU: Despite multiple efforts by citizens, activists and officials, Bengaluru’s Swachch Survekshan ranking has not seen a rise. Officials in Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) said it could further dip.
Officials in BSWML said the five city corporations are presently indulging in only surface cleaning and black spot clearance in certain areas. Many places are completely ignored. “We are not able to handle the landfills and legacy waste units as mixed waste continues to flow in.
The corporations and the state government are still not paying attention to these sectors, which are an essential part of the ranking. In fact, much more than the feedback section,” the official said. BSWML no longer handles waste management in Bengaluru. This task is now handled by the five city corporations. The task of BSWML is now limited to handling legacy waste and supply to processing units and waste-to-energy plants.
There are eight processing units with the BSWML, of which one is by a private firm. There is also one active landfill in the city at Mitiganahalli. The city generates around 6,000 tonnes of waste every day. But the big problem still is segregation and transportation, due to which green energy generation in the city is not being enhanced, the BSWML official said. “The main problem in the city is black spots.
Lack of coordination between the city corporations and their geographical boundaries of working are clearly defined. None of the contractors wants to stretch a little more to neighbouring areas to ensure cleanliness. Segregation at source and during garbage disposal continues to be a major problem in Bengaluru,” admitted a senior GBA official and added that there is still no clarity on how Bengaluru will participate in this year’s Swachch Survekshan ranking and how the report will be released by the Union government.
“The ranking of Bengaluru will further dip from the 36th and 42nd positions. Many private agencies are working on waste management, awareness is also being created, but dumping at road sides and mustering centres is a big challenge. The commissioners are also unable to handle the mixed waste. They are also unable to take action, which have become an additional burden,” said a BSWML official.