This tree-lined Bengaluru locality is full of trash-lined streets

Bengaluru: Jayanagar 2nd Block, known for its tree-lined streets, proximity to Lalbagh, and quieter surroundings compared to the bustling 4th Block, is grappling with a growing garbage problem. Nearly every street corner, especially along 7th Main Road, has turned into a blackspot, with piles of waste accumulating under signboards and along footpaths.

Locals attribute the problem to irregular door-to-door waste collection as well as rampant littering by residents. “The collection vehicle arrives just about once or twice a week. Even then, the staff collect either dry or wet waste, leaving half the garbage back with the residents. If we do not pay them, even the irregular collection is skipped,” a resident, who did not wish to be named, said, pointing out that two corners of his site have accumulated garbage.

He added that littering by motorists has worsened the situation. “Some parents even ask their kids to do it. Once there are a couple of bags, many others start dumping. Apart from regular domestic waste, people have also dumped old commodes, construction debris and waste from cowsheds in the nearby Kanakanapalya,” he said.

A family running an ironing shop beside one such blackspot said they have exhausted several methods to discourage littering. A GBA banner warning violators of a Rs 5,000 fine hangs next to the dumpsite, while images of deities have also been placed nearby. “We have placed images of deities hoping to prevent people from littering, but this has not deterred them from dumping waste,” a member of the family said, adding that most of the dumping takes place late at night.

The locality falls under Chickpet assembly constituency and is now part of Bengaluru Central City Corporation.

Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) assistant general manager Nataraj BR said officials would focus on clearing black spots at Jayanagar 2nd Block this month. “We are eliminating black spots in Jayanagar 1st Block, and we have received positive feedback from the public. In May, our teams cleared six major black spots in 1st Block and Byrasandra areas,” he said.