BBMP takes action against littering: Collects Rs 30 cr in fines over 5 years

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The solid waste management unit of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), entrusted with upholding the city's visual appeal, has documented 11.88 lakh instances of littering and related violations over the past five years.

During this period, fines totaling Rs 30.85 crore have been levied on offenders. Despite efforts by the BBMP to address these activities, including littering, unlawful dumping, unauthorized plastic usage, spitting, and open defecation, they persist in various public areas such as streets, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops.

Such actions continue to mar the city's ambience. Since 2019, the BBMP's solid waste management unit has escalated its enforcement actions, resulting in the highest fine accumulation in recent years.

As part of its initiative for a waste-free city, the BBMP has deployed marshals, health officials, and engineers at the ward level to combat this issue.

Ongoing awareness campaigns, including wall inscriptions encouraging responsible waste disposal, have been implemented. Nonetheless, the ingrained habit of littering, particularly in places like bus stops, parks, and sidewalks, persists, deteriorating the urban environment.

Marshals monitor and penalize individuals who discard waste on roadsides, vacant plots, and drains, including those transporting household refuse and construction debris in plastic bags during late hours or early mornings.