Bengaluru: Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s recent post on the poor state of garbage management in Bengaluru has gone viral on X, reigniting discussions on civic negligence and citizen responsibility. Her remarks have drawn widespread attention, sparking reactions from residents and highlighting ongoing issues in the city’s waste disposal system.
Criticism of BBMP and citizen responsibility
In her post, Mazumdar-Shaw wrote, “A combination of lack of civic sense and the incompetence of @bbmp in managing city garbage and debris has made our city filthy. Citizens must cooperate by not dumping garbage and creating ugly dark spots. Pourakarmikas need to be given better equipment and training to keep the city clean.”
Her post comes amid efforts by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to repair potholes and roads across the city. The issue has also taken a political angle, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently claiming that Bengaluru is being unfairly criticised for potholes, pointing out that even areas near the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi face similar problems.
Residents express frustration
Mazumdar-Shaw’s post triggered strong reactions from Bengaluru residents. One user highlighted the worsening state of “black spots” across the city, writing, “The entire Banashankari main road from near the metro station to Kadirenahalli is covered in filth. It’s unhygienic and also a nightmare if you are a pedestrian.”
Another suggested improvements in waste management logistics: “Transfer points have to be scientifically placed between wards so they don’t become black spots again. Also, DWCC centres should take all types of furniture, dry waste, and household debris so this problem is sorted.”
Accountability in civic administration questioned
Frustrated citizens also raised concerns about accountability in civic bodies. One comment read, “It is high time that we make government departments accountable for work and not pursue government jobs as a means to do nothing and just chill.”
Others flagged broader infrastructural shortcomings. “There isn’t a single proper footpath across the city. Forget that, even Outer Ring Road doesn’t have proper lane markings. This is the highest tax-generating city in the country, and yet the government and bureaucrats are simply taking people for granted,” another user said.
Conclusion
Mazumdar-Shaw’s post has brought renewed attention to Bengaluru’s ongoing waste management and civic infrastructure challenges. While the city administration focuses on road repairs and other urban projects, citizens’ frustrations reflect a wider demand for accountability, improved sanitation, and better planning in India’s IT capital. The debate also underscores the need for collective responsibility between authorities and residents to maintain urban hygiene and public spaces.