Garbage collection halt sparks fresh crisis fears; FIRs against contractors in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Concerns of a renewed garbage crisis are mounting across Bengaluru after waste collection services were symbolically halted in 76 localities across the city Monday, triggering fears of a citywide disruption. The protest by waste collection auto drivers stems from an escalating dispute over waste segregation practices and working conditions.Sanitation workers and contractors have alleged that officials are compelling households to segregate waste into three categories, but compliance on the ground remains poor. As a result, the burden of segregation has shifted onto sanitation workers. Drivers claim they are forced to spend up to five hours daily sorting mixed waste, exposing them to hazardous materials including sharp objects. Workers have reported frequent injuries, skin infections, and other health issues due to prolonged exposure, said B Balasubramanya, general secretary of the Waste Contractors' Association. Karigowda, head of GBA's Solid Waste Management Unit, termed the stoppage "illegal." He emphasised that existing agreements mandate contractors to collect only properly segregated waste and refuse unsegregated garbage. He added that the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is in force and that contractors are legally bound to ensure uninterrupted services.In a parallel development, police have initiated legal action against multiple contractors. At Kumaraswamy Layout police station, an FIR was filed against BS Kiran Kumar of Sri Lakshmi Ranganatha Enterprises following a complaint by BBMP gazetted officer Manuja R. The contractor allegedly failed to carry out waste collection duties in Padmanabhanagar (ward 182) between 6am and 2pm on March 23, leading to garbage accumulation and public health risks.Additionally, two FIRs were registered at Rajajinagar and Girinagar police stations under the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act-2013. Those named include P Vikram Devaraddi (Sri Varshini Enterprises), Anjaneya (Annamma Devi Prasanna Enterprises), and BS Kiran Kumar (Sri Ranganatha Swamy Enterprises). Complaints by sanitation officials cited failure to clear waste in multiple wards, resulting in foul odour, environmental hazards, and disruption to daily life.--