Secondary waste transfer unit to come up in every Assembly constituency

These stations provide a dedicated space for transfer of waste, ensuring more efficiency at the primary collection centre

Segregation of waste on Bengaluru’s streets may soon be a thing of the past. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Company (BSWMC) plans to establish secondary transfer stations across all Assembly constituencies in the city.

A facility capable of handling 150-200 tonnes of waste daily was inaugurated at Chalavadipalya in Chamarajpet by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday (November 28). Another station is set to open in HBR Layout by January 2025. Earlier this year, a similar facility was launched in Ejipura in March. These initiatives are backed by a government allocation of approximately ₹40 crore.

BSWMC Chief Executive Officer Harish Kumar told The Hindu that tenders have been floated for four additional transfer stations. Each station is designed to process 150-200 tonnes of waste daily, eliminating long lines of auto tippers on roads and enhancing the city’s visual cleanliness.

The transfer stations provide a dedicated space for waste transfer, ensuring more efficiency at the primary collection centre and enabling higher waste-carrying capacity of the containers. The RFID-enabled primary collection vehicles further integrate with a command centre, tracking waste generation at a micro level and fostering accountability in waste management.

Additionally, the BSWMC has introduced Automated Waste Segregation Machines (AWS) that independently sort mixed waste.

Hardship for citizens

Residents near holding points across Bengaluru have long endured the negative impacts of inadequate waste management facilities. On Malleshpalya Main Road, for example, garbage strewn around and waste collection vehicles occupying road space have led to significant inconvenience for residents and workers.

“This area has seen a population and traffic explosion over the last two decades, yet waste is still managed on a busy road. The stench is unbearable, and it affects the nearby park and bus stop. Authorities must adopt scientific waste management to ease the burden on citizens and workers,” said Meera, a resident of the area.

Sudarshan Yadav, a resident of J.P. Nagar, shared similar grievances, citing the poor upkeep of a transfer point in his locality. “Some residents dump both dry and wet waste at the transfer point, and contractors often fail to clear it. The BSWMC should penalize contractors who neglect blackspots,” he said.

Published - November 28, 2024 08:51 pm IST