Garbage blackspots return in southeast Bengaluru as collection vehicles arrive late

Parts of southeast Bengaluru, including Adugodi, Ejipura, and Koramangala, are again witnessing a rise in garbage blackspots, as waste collection vehicles are reportedly arriving two to three hours late.

However, according to local residents, officials have continued tracking households and levying fines on litterbugs in these areas. Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) had earlier stated that fines were being collected only in localities where garbage collection vehicles were operating regularly.

Krithi Rao, who commutes to central Bengaluru from Koramangala, noted that blackspots are growing along the Srinivagilu Main Road despite the presence of a transfer station nearby. “The timings of the waste collection vehicle are unpredictable, as they differ every day and are often delayed by more than an hour. On some days, I have had to store four to five bags of waste at home due to the irregular schedule,” she said.

While irregular timings remain a concern in Koramangala, several localities across Ejipura are struggling to dispose of garbage as waste collection vehicles reportedly arrive late every day. “It comes at 11.30 a.m., when most of us are out. There are many college students and techies living here who are finding it difficult to dispose of garbage,” said a resident who did not wish to be named. “In addition, they (civic officials) had deployed marshals at night, leading to garbage piling up at homes. Sometimes my flatmate is at home at 11.30 a.m. when the vehicle arrives; otherwise, we are forced to throw it out,” he said.

A visit to the area early in the morning showed multiple blackspots along Ejipura Main Road. Residents said the issue has become perennial and remains unresolved, despite being brought to the attention of BSWML officials multiple times in the past.

Despite this, civic body officials have continued collecting fines from litterbugs. When asked about the delays, an official involved in collecting fines said that ongoing drain works in the area were causing timing disruptions. However, the delays have persisted for over two months. Locals have also alleged that the waste collection kiosk installed in the area around three months ago remains non-operational for most of the day.