Residents flag repeated garbage burning in east Bengaluru, RR Nagar

Bengaluru: Has garbage burning returned to Bengaluru? Residents across the city are raising fresh concerns about waste being burnt in daylight, leaving thick smoke lingering over residential neighbourhoods.In areas under Bengaluru East city corporation, particularly in KR Pura, right behind the Greater Bengaluru Authority office, residents flagged continuous garbage burning near transfer stations. While it remains unclear whether the fires are deliberately lit or accidental, smoke has become a major concern.Muniraj, a resident of KR Pura, told TOI, "Surely, the fire is not lighting by itself, someone is igniting it. While we don't get the smell, smoke enters our house easily. People with wheezing issues are affected. It seems like they are mostly burning plastic, leading to dense smoke. These burning incidents are happening very close to Gangashetty Lake; hence, daily walkers feel very uncomfortable."Similar complaints were filed from RR Nagar. Kalpana Vishwanath, a resident, said, "It has become a routine thing here, especially burning of dry leaves. GBA should seriously think about handling fires and using a leaf shredder."According to Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), between Aug 2025 and Jan 2026, 1,220 garbage-burning cases were registered on SWM Sahaaya app, of which 1,186 were marked as resolved. In Feb alone, 242 such cases were reported, with 158 resolved so far.A BSWML official from East city corporation said after receiving complaints, he ensured there is no garbage burning in the area. He, however added: "It gets difficult to identify who is burning garbage because most of it is done very early in the morning or late at night."BOX: Harmful effects Experts warn garbage burning in open spaces releases harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide and toxic chemicals like dioxins and furans — especially when plastic waste is involved. These pollutants can aggravate asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses, cause eye and throat irritation, and contribute significantly to urban air pollution. Prolonged exposure may also impact children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.Practice prohibitedUnder Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, open burning of solid waste is strictly prohibited. In Bengaluru, civic authorities can impose spot fines on individuals or agencies found burning waste. Repeated violations can attract higher penalties and legal action under municipal and environmental laws, and property owners or contractors may be held accountable if waste is burnt within their premises or due to improper waste handling.