Two waste bins to be mandatory for buildings above two floors in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Dwelling units with more than two floors will soon be required to keep at least two waste-collection bins within their premises for tenants to dispose of their garbage, GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao said at the East corporation public meeting Tuesday.Over 200 residents gathered at the corporation office to air grievances, with garbage collection and waste management emerging as the most common complaints. Many residents said rubbish vehicles were irregular and often did not arrive on time.
Responding to their concerns, Rao directed the health officer to treat rubbish management as a public health issue and frame a regulation mandating two bins — one for wet waste and another for dry waste — in all buildings above two floors, including paying guest (PG) accommodations. "Our vehicles will collect waste from the bins regularly," he said.However, it remains unclear whether the proposed regulation will apply to all corporations or only to East corporation for now.VP Krishna, a resident of TC Palya, highlighted the difficulty many working professionals face. "Many of us are unable to hand over rubbish when the corporation vehicle arrives. It would be helpful if vehicles could come two times a day — morning and evening," the techie said.Rao said Bengaluru Solid Waste Management team will prepare a micro-plan for the area to improve collection. "Currently, we do not have the resources to send vehicles twice a day. The new rubbish package tender, which is coming up soon, should improve the situation," he added.Building violations were another major concern raised by residents, who alleged poor enforcement and delays in demolitions. Rao instructed engineers to act immediately on complaints and, after inspection, ensure that power and water supply to violators are cut off. He also sought reports on buildings where demolition orders were issued but not executed.Prakash, a resident of Channasandra, submitted copies of over 50 letters he claimed to have written to the corporation regarding building violations. "There are several buildings in Kadugodi with 6 or 7 floors. Engineers did not take action. Layouts are being formed on roads less than 40 feet wide. There is zero enforcement from the corporation," he alleged.Ward meetings may restart againThe meeting saw brief disruptions when a group of residents with token numbers above 100 raised slogans against GBA, alleging long waiting time and a lack of openness. More than 150 tokens were issued and grievances were heard individually in a conference hall. Some residents argued that holding the meeting in a closed setting defeated the very purpose of a public interaction.Rao promised to hold future meetings in open venues. He directed officials to begin conducting ward-level meetings at least once a month, preferably Saturdays, to ensure local issues are addressed more efficiently. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !