Bengaluru’s waste crisis sparks call for decentralised action | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: The tech capital, once hailed for its clean streets and salubrious climate, is now struggling under the weight of mounting garbage. As new municipal solid waste rules draw closer, experts are calling for immediate reforms and a shift toward decentralised waste management.Speaking at a panel discussion on the topic ‘Reimagining Urban Futures’, organised by AndPurpose Forum recently, Saahas Zero Waste founder Wilma Rodrigues reflected on the cleaner and greener Bengaluru of the past. “In 1995, the city offered so much — pleasant weather, ample water, and cleaner streets. It gave generously to its citizens. Today, I feel people have failed to give back,” she said.Rodrigues pointed out the principles introduced in the 2000 Solid Waste Management Rules remain relevant even today. “Segregate your waste, compost at home, aim for a zero-waste lifestyle — these aren’t new ideas. But here we are, on the cusp of the 2025 rules, and we haven’t even enforced what was outlined 25 years ago,” she said, expressing concern about the city’s readiness for the upcoming regulations.Nalini Shekar, founder of Hasiru Dala, voiced disappointment over Bengaluru being ranked the fifth dirtiest city in a recent survey. “It’s disheartening, especially after years of work in this space. Decentralised waste management is the solution. Every ward should function like a self-contained city — that would make governance and implementation much more effective,” she said.Highlighting the private sector’s efforts, Aiyappa Somayanda, chief business officer at Brigade REAP, noted that while waste-conscious planning is increasingly being factored in at the design stage of developments, there’s still a considerable gap. “We should be far ahead of where we are now,” he observed.Climate action planOffering a more hopeful perspective, Akshatha, city adviser for Inclusive Climate Action, Bengaluru (C40 Cities), pointed out that the city has taken steps toward sustainability, despite challenges. “Bengaluru has adopted a climate action plan, even though it’s not a statutory mandate. With more than 200 action tracks across seven sectors, it signals a strong intent from the city to act,” she said.As the new solid waste management-related rules are likely to come into effect starting this Oct, experts emphasised that the city should embrace decentralisation and prioritise the enforcement of long-standing waste management principles to reclaim its lost civic pride.