Bengaluru to get new entity to handle its notorious garbage problem

Bengaluru will get a separate entity to handle its notorious garbage problem.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of 'Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd'. Both the state government and the BBMP will have stakes in the company, which will look into collection, transportation and processing of waste, apart from waste-to-energy initiatives.

Briefing reporters, Law Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that there is a requirement for a focused approach to waste management in Bengaluru.

"The BBMP is unable to invest exclusive time for waste management as it is burdened with other responsibilities. There has been a demand for an administrative and financially independent body for this purpose. The Cabinet has recognised the need for this and the approval has been given for the same," he said.

In the new company, the BBMP will have 51 per cent stake, while the state government will have 49 per cent, he added. The government's additional chief secretary will be the chief executive for this government-run company.

Bengaluru is estimated to generate about 5,500 tonnes garbage daily of which 4,500 tonnes are household waste and the rest bulk waste from commercial establishments.

There are seven waste processing plants of which only four are working at present. "The chief minister has directed to ensure that the other three are functional at the earliest. Also, three waste-to-energy generation plants are about to be functional in the city soon. One is on the verge of completion, while the other two will be functional over the next fifteen months," Bommai said.