BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday announced that the State Government is exploring the introduction of black soldier fly (BSF) composting technology in Bengaluru to manage the city’s massive daily waste generation of nearly 8,000 metric tonnes.
Government plans to bring in BSF-based waste processing
Speaking about the initiative, Shivakumar, who also handles the Bengaluru Urban Development portfolio, said the method has already been tested in Mangaluru and received positive reviews. “Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it. The black soldier fly eats waste and makes compost. I have visited other cities in India and studied the technology. I want to introduce it in Bengaluru,” he said.
Black soldier fly larvae rapidly break down organic waste, converting it into nutrient-rich frass and insect biomass. The process is significantly faster than traditional composting, and the resulting byproducts can be used as fertiliser and animal feed.
State to revive Terra Firma waste management plant
Shivakumar also shared that the Government aims to take over and revive Terra Firma Bio Technologies Limited, a solid waste management firm that was shut down in 2016 for alleged violations. “The Government gave permission to Terra, but they flouted the rules and did not do their job properly. It was shut down in 2016, and the Government will take control of it and do it,” he said.
In April, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of 38 acres and 18 guntas in Doddaballapur taluk for an integrated solid waste management plant. To expand the facility, the Cabinet further cleared the allotment of 46 acres and three guntas of government land. Additionally, 22 acres and one gunta of land previously leased to Terra Firma by landowners has now been purchased by the Government.
Doddaballapur MLA opposes revival citing environmental concerns
The proposal, however, has met resistance from Doddaballapur BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju. He argued that around 25 lakh metric tonnes of garbage have already been dumped in the locality over the years, severely affecting residents.
“We will oppose it. The public does not want the plant to be restarted. Environmental and other reports have clearly indicated that it has affected the locals. I would suggest you start it elsewhere,” he said.
Shivakumar responded by acknowledging the concerns. “We want to have scientific plants to generate biogas and energy. We are bringing modern technology. I want to establish four plants in different corners of Bengaluru and want to do it in Bidadi and Kanakapura also. Where should we put 8,000 metric tonnes of waste generated every day? It will all be done with environmental clearance, and there will be no effect on the people living nearby,” he assured.
Opposition calls for declaring waste management an essential service
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka urged the Government to declare waste management an essential service to curb the influence of what he referred to as the “garbage mafia”. Sharing his past experience, Ashoka said, “When I tried fighting against the garbage mafia, there was enormous pressure on me. The mafia stopped garbage collection, and I had to request them to restart it. If you are ready to bring a law against this garbage mafia, we are ready to support it.”
With waste generation continuing to rise alongside Bengaluru’s expanding population, the Government believes modern and scientific waste processing solutions—such as BSF composting—could help the city manage its waste burden more efficiently. The coming months are expected to reveal whether these proposals will progress amid local opposition and environmental concerns.