A surprise inspection conducted by the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) has revealed major irregularities in the attendance system used to monitor garbage collection vehicles, raising concerns over the efficiency of waste management services in the city.

BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar carried out an early morning inspection at the auto-merging point near the Wheeler Town flyover on Thursday following repeated complaints from residents regarding waste collection.

Inspection uncovers attendance discrepancies

During the inspection, officials found that only 21 of the 32 registered auto tippers were physically present at the designated location.

However, a review of the online attendance records showed that 24 vehicles had been marked operational through the mobile application. This indicated that attendance had allegedly been recorded for three vehicles that were not present at the site.

Officials also found that several vehicles lacked helper staff and that workers were not using basic safety equipment such as protective gloves.

More violations found across city

Following the initial findings, the commissioner formed three additional inspection teams to examine operations at auto-merging points near Chicken Road, Kempegowda Layout and KHB Colony.

The inspections reportedly revealed similar violations at multiple locations, with less than half of the vehicles marked for duty actually present in some areas.

Authorities reviewed vehicle attendance, punctuality of waste collection operations, staff performance and supervision by ward marshals as part of the exercise.

Ward marshals removed from duty

Describing the findings as serious negligence and misuse of the attendance system, Kumar directed officials to immediately remove the ward marshals responsible for monitoring the operations.

Under existing procedures, attendance must be recorded through a mobile application by scanning QR codes within a specified radius of geo-mapped locations. However, officials found that attendance was allegedly being marked even when vehicles were absent.

Push for greater accountability

The commissioner said such practices directly affect door-to-door waste collection services and reduce operational efficiency.

Officials have now been directed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure greater transparency, punctuality and accountability in waste management operations across Bengaluru.

The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to improve civic services and address public concerns regarding garbage collection in the city.