The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is proposing a minimum service fee of Rs 30 per month for citizens in exchange for garbage collection and disposal services. This proposal, pending approval from the state government, aims to encompass around 46 lakh households, potentially requiring residents to contribute between Rs 60 and Rs 100 monthly.
Source: TV 9 Kannada
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The BBMP’s proposed user fee for garbage collection is a strategic move toward establishing a sustainable waste management system in Bengaluru. The fee structure, based on monthly electricity consumption, is seen as a more practical gauge of waste generation compared to the traditional property tax. With an estimated 46 lakh households and 6.32 lakh commercial establishments falling under this proposed plan, the BBMP anticipates an influx of Rs 72.39 crore monthly.
The BBMP’s rationale behind linking the fee to electricity consumption is rooted in its belief that this approach accurately reflects the volume of waste produced by a household or commercial entity. By collaborating with Bescom, the BBMP aims to delegate the collection responsibility to the electricity board, compensating them with a designated service fee.
Source: IBTimes India
In a detailed meeting conducted by the BBMP’s solid waste management arm (BSWML) last week, a tiered fee structure was outlined. For domestic users, the proposed slabs range from Rs 30 to Rs 500, while commercial establishments may incur fees between Rs 75 and Rs 1,200 monthly. This nuanced fee system seeks to align itself with the waste management models implemented in cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Indore, and Tirupati.
The BBMP cites a recent high court order that doesn’t prohibit them from collecting user fees, as it is already acknowledged in the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, overseeing Bengaluru’s development, is anticipated to make the final decision on this proposed user fee.
Source: The Hans India
A senior BBMP officer emphasized that the user fee concept mirrors those employed by agencies like the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bescom. Previously included in property tax, the user fee aims to address the inadequacy of funds for solid waste-related activities, ensuring timely payments to service providers, including cleanliness staff.
However, concerns persist within the community regarding the proposed fee. Solid waste management expert Pinky Chandran emphasizes that while charging a fee is crucial, the existing challenges in waste management, such as inconsistent waste segregation practices, need urgent attention. Chandran highlights the reappearance of garbage black spots and emphasizes the need for a standardized waste management system to curb inappropriate dumping practices on the city’s outskirts.
