Disruption in garbage collection has been largely resolved: BBMP chief

Bengaluru: BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath announced on Monday that the disruption in garbage collection has been largely resolved, and the civic body has devised an action plan to treat highly contaminated leachate water over the next four years.

He also stated that waste was being sent to landfills at night and expressed hope that villagers would allow compactors to unload waste during the day as well.

Briefing reporters, he said that 90% of the city’s waste collection system had returned to normal. "We have been sending garbage to Mitaganahalli for several years now, but disagreements arose between our officers, contractors, and villagers. The long-pending village development work has now begun," he said.

Citing its LiDAR survey, he revealed that approximately 267 crore litres of leachate had accumulated in and around the landfills. "There is currently a 10-KLD plant, but at this rate, it would take nearly 10 years to fully treat the leachate. Therefore, we will set up a 2-MLD plant to ensure the contaminated water is treated within three to four years and safely released into lakes. This will help prevent cow deaths and groundwater contamination," Girinath explained.

He further stated that the BBMP would be floating tenders again for an integrated solid waste management facility.

Girinath also confirmed that the user fee for solid waste management services will be included in property tax payments starting April 1.

"For small properties under 600 sqft, we will charge Rs 10 per month. For larger properties, the user fee will increase in a graded manner. A separate charge of Rs 12 per kg has been set for bulk waste generators," he said.

The BBMP will also impose fees on shops, commercial establishments, and hotels.