Bengaluru: Conflict between Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) and its contractors has escalated into a full-blown civic crisis, with garbage piling up across the city. Officials from Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) have now stepped in, with one of them stating, “There is a clear breakdown in coordination between the implementing agency and contractors.”The dispute, which has disrupted door-to-door waste collection in multiple wards, is over compliance with waste segregation norms. BSWML says contractors must adhere to rules mandating segregation at source and during collection, while contractors argue that inconsistent directives and impractical enforcement have made operations unviable.A GBA official said the lack of clarity, particularly shifting instructions on collecting wet, dry and sanitary waste on different days, has created confusion among sanitation workers. In March, more than 300 workers went on strike, protesting against the additional burden of waste segregation being imposed on collection staff. Contractors temporarily halted operations, alleging worker exploitation.The crisis is compounded by a shortage of resources. “A ward ideally requires 20 waste collection vehicles, but only 12-13 are operational. In addition, many vehicles are running without cleaners, forcing drivers to undertake both driving and waste collection duties.”Kari Gowda, CEO of BSWML, said, “We are considering a series of corrective measures, including redeployment of officials, streamlining of contracts and better monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance without disrupting operations. There is also a proposal to reassess the vehicle and manpower requirements ward-wise.” HC adjourns hearing on tenderKarnataka High Court has adjourned to Friday the hearing on a petition challenging the tender notification issued on March 25 by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML). S N Balasubramaniam, who claims to be the lowest bidder, has sought disciplinary enquiry against Kari Gowda, CEO of BSWML, and Tushar Girinath, ACS urban development dept, for allegedly seeking illegal gratification.According to Balasubramaniam, on March 10, Gowda explained to him in detail the “formalities and obligations” he needed to fulfil. These included 3% of the price bid to be paid to board members, another 3% to Girinath and his urban development dept, and 9% to the govt. Balasubramaniam said he submitted a representation to the chief secretary seeking action against the two IAS officers.On Thursday, when the court heard the matter, advocate general Shashikiran Shetty submitted that on March 10, the officer (Kari Gowda) was not at all in Bengaluru and prsented his flight tickets as proof showing his travel to New Delhi . However, counsel for the petitioner said he was ready to file affidavit in support of his allegations/claim.
