Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa

BENGALURU: Chief minister BS Yediyurappa has decided to create a solid waste management (SWM) authority to handle Bengaluru’s garbage — a measure that raises doubts about BBMP’s efficacy in addressing the festering crisis.

The chief minister has, in a letter dated September 13, said Bengaluru was facing a serious challenge in disposing of its waste in a scientific manner and made a strong case for creating a separate board or corporation.

Sources said a draft of the proposed authority, which was ready, is being refined.

Waste management board could be on lines of BWSSB

A government official said, “The government’s intent is simple: Ensure a long-lasting and efficient mechanism to dispose of garbage since the BBMP appears to have failed to effectively address the issue.”

Besides the head office, the authority is likely to have zonal offices and include outlying areas like Anekal and Yelahanka .

The CM’s letter to the urban development department says: “On August 14, at a meeting on the development of Bengaluru, it was suggested a separate Bengaluru regional solid waste management organisation be created. Accordingly, various laws, the intent of the organisation, amendments to the existing acts, required manpower and other such criteria be considered and fixed. A report to this effect be provided within three months.”

Sources said the board could be set up on the lines of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board or Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, with an IAS officer as managing director. As per the draft proposal, the authority will implement scientific models of disposing of garbage. The existing SWM processing facilities, landfills and other assets and infrastructure of the corporations will be transferred to the authority once it comes into existence.

As far as human resources go, the authority could transfer manpower from the existing pool of Palike’s SWM division. The authority could be vested with powers to recruit own staff.

The draft proposal suggests the SWM cess, collected under the Karnataka Municipal Act, will go to the new authority, and not BBMP. It also suggests the authority could be mandated to levy charges to undertake solid waste management work. It will have only an initial grant, and must generate its own resources to meet day to-day and long-term expenses.

