Once admired for its clean roads and temperate climate, Bengaluru is now buckling under the pressure of mounting garbage. With new municipal solid waste regulations set to roll out in October, city planners and waste management experts are stressing the urgency of reform — especially decentralised waste handling.
At a recent panel discussion titled “Reimagining Urban Futures”, organised by the AndPurpose Forum, Wilma Rodrigues, founder of Saahas Zero Waste, reminisced about a greener Bengaluru. “In 1995, this city gave us so much — clean air, plenty of water, and spotless streets. Today, we’ve failed to give back,” she lamented.
Rodrigues underlined that core ideas from the 2000 Solid Waste Management Rules still hold value — segregation, home composting, and striving for zero waste. “We’re on the verge of implementing 2025’s waste rules, but we haven’t even enforced what was proposed 25 years ago,” she added, raising concerns about Bengaluru’s preparedness.
Nalini Shekar, co-founder of Hasiru Dala, expressed dismay over Bengaluru being ranked the fifth dirtiest city in a recent survey. “It’s heartbreaking after years of effort. The answer lies in decentralisation — each ward should operate like an independent city,” she asserted.
Aiyappa Somayanda of Brigade REAP highlighted that although sustainability is being considered in new projects, progress remains slow. “We’re still behind,” he said.
Despite challenges, Akshatha from C40 Cities noted that Bengaluru has adopted a climate action plan covering over 200 initiatives — a step in the right direction.