Soon, 24/7 command center to monitor waste management

To salvage Bengaluru’s Swachh Survekshan ranking, which is sliding every passing year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will set up a dedicated 24/7 centralised command and control center to monitor Solid Waste Management (SWM).

From the centralised command center the civic body will oversee the movement of 4,000 auto tippers, 500 garbage trucks and Prahari vehicles, all equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS-equipped vehicles will be tracked through a large live screen to be installed at the command center.

The BBMP is responsible for the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste across 713 sq km city area. Earlier, due to mismanagement, the civic body had planned to adopt smart technology to resolve the challenges faced in SWM.

“We intend to utilise latest technology and IT systems to further strengthen Solid Waste Management in the city. The goal is to establish, operate and maintain the command and control center for Solid Waste Management, and to resolve the grievances of the people regarding garbage disposal,” Randeep D, Special Commissioner (SWM), BBMP, told DH.

“There will be around ten staff working in three shifts. They will be receiving complaints from residents through a helpline, monitoring SWM activities, and tracking the tippers and garbage trucks. The center will be well equipped; with a live screen wall connected to the GPS of the vehicles, and to the CCTV cameras in the 900 black spots. The staff can track the live feed of SWM related complaints from the command center, which will be set up at the BBMP headquarters,” Randeep further explained.

To set up the smart control and command center, the BBMP will be spending approximately Rs 85 lakh. The civic body has floated a tender in this regard, inviting external agencies technically capable of handling such a command center, and the required man power.

“The command center will view the live proceedings and take necessary proactive and responsive measures, like alerting concerned officials about mismanagement, illegal garbage disposal, collecting penalties, and will also undertake necessary follow ups. The center will store all data -- CCTV footage, data of complaints, penalties collected and the like,” Randeep added.