Late-night waste dumping under scanner as BSWML deploys marshals on night patrol

In an effort to eliminate black spots, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has intensified its crackdown on littering by regularly deploying marshals for night patrols across the city. As part of a strategic plan, marshals are now intercepting offenders and imposing spot fines during nighttime, according to a BSWML source.

Karee Gowda, Chief Executive Officer, BSWML, told The Hindu that marshals are being deployed regularly between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. “We are collecting nearly ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in fines every day as we strictly enforce the law by cracking down on littering,” he said.

Another BSWML source explained that in areas where the black spot problem persists, marshals extend their duty by an additional hour to catch more offenders.

“Many individuals who work late step out at midnight to dump garbage, which is why black spots continue to exist in some regions. In such areas, strict deployment of marshals is required, and we are ensuring that,” the official said.

However, residents in several areas blame BSWML for failing to collect waste on time. Earlier, The Hindu reported on the irregular movement of waste collection vehicles in the Ejipura area. The problem still persists in Ejipura, with black spots visible in almost every cross. A similar situation exists in Suddaguntepalya and Tavarekere in south Bengaluru, areas with a large student population.

Irregular waste collection vehicles

Dheeman Garg, a resident of 22nd Cross, Ejipura, lamented that garbage piles up near his house every week owing to the irregular timing of waste collection vehicles.

“There is no fixed timing here. Sometimes they come around 11.30 a.m. and at other times around 7.30 a.m. I leave home around 9 a.m. and return in the evening; when am I supposed to dispose of my garbage?” Mr. Garg said. “This is not just a problem on 22nd Cross, but across Ejipura. Every lane in this area greets people with garbage, and black spots extend for over 50 metres,” he added. He contended that irregular waste collection inevitably forces people to dispose of garbage in public spaces.

When asked about this, Mr. Gowda reaffirmed that immediate action would be taken against irregular garbage collection and urged residents to share details whenever such issues arise.

Apart from this, BSWML is also acting on complaints against habitual littering. Recently, a video showing a Ward 29 resident, identified as Sandeep, dumping three large bags of garbage from his car went viral, drawing the attention of BSWML. The agency traced him and imposed a fine of ₹5,000. Marshals are also tracing offenders by identifying houses through bills and other documents found in garbage piles.