Hoskote, a rapidly developing town on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is grappling with a severe waste management crisis. With an ever-expanding population, the town is facing a daily surge in waste production, and municipal authorities are struggling to cope. The situation is compounded by inefficient and unscientific waste disposal practices, exacerbating health and environmental concerns.
Hoskote Municipality, which oversees 31 wards, has long been under pressure to manage the increasing volume of waste produced by its residents. As the population grows and the town becomes a hub for new settlements and industries, the amount of waste generated each day has soared. Currently, Hoskote produces an estimated 25 tons of waste daily. However, the waste management infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the rising demand.
Garbage collection has become inconsistent, with municipal trucks often unable to make timely rounds to collect waste. In many areas, trash piles up on streets, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment. One of the most visible signs of this crisis is the overflowing garbage at the municipality office compound. Here, waste-filled trucks often remain parked for hours, sometimes for the entire day, because the designated disposal sites are either inadequate or inaccessible.
The stench from this accumulated waste has made the area intolerable for both residents and municipal staff. Visitors to the office are seen covering their noses to shield themselves from the overpowering odour, and municipal workers are forced to continue their duties amid these unpleasant conditions. In addition, wastewater from the collected garbage often spills onto the streets, further contributing to the growing health risks posed by the crisis.
In an effort to address the mounting waste problem, a ₹9.5 crore waste segregation and disposal facility was planned and is nearly completed near Kallahalli village, within the Kumbalahalli Gram Panchayat. The facility is being set up on a 12-acre site and is intended to manage and scientifically process the town’s waste, preventing further environmental contamination. However, despite the facility nearing completion, it has yet to become operational. Delays in acquiring necessary equipment, as well as pending approvals, have pushed back the facility’s opening date.
The delay in activating the facility is a significant setback for the town, which desperately needs a proper waste management solution. Without an operational facility, Hoskote remains reliant on inconsistent collection and disposal methods, which are proving insufficient as the town’s waste output continues to increase.
The waste crisis in Hoskote has been exacerbated by a shortage of garbage collection vehicles. With the existing fleet stretched thin, garbage trucks are now only able to make collections every two days, rather than the daily pickups that are needed. As a result, waste accumulates in various parts of the town, creating visible piles of garbage on roadsides and in public spaces. This delay in waste removal has compounded the growing public frustration, as residents find themselves dealing with the health hazards and aesthetic degradation caused by the waste overflow.
The absence of a reliable waste management system is not only a challenge for residents but also for local authorities, who are struggling to find effective solutions. The inefficiency in waste disposal is further damaging the town’s overall hygiene, making it an increasingly difficult place to live for its growing population.
Chairperson of the Hoskote Municipality, Asha Rajasekhar, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed hope that the Kallahalli facility would soon be operational. She confirmed that the facility is in its final stages of completion, with only a few pieces of machinery needed to begin operations. Rajasekhar assured the public that the municipality would be discussing the necessary approvals and additional funding at the next municipal meeting to ensure that the facility can begin processing waste as soon as possible.
While Rajasekhar’s comments offer some hope, many residents remain sceptical about the speed at which the situation will be addressed. Social activist Vardapura Nagaraj, who has been vocal about the issue, emphasised the need for immediate action. “The waste management facility at Kallahalli should be opened without further delay. Hoskote’s residents can no longer wait for relief,” he said. Nagaraj’s call for urgency highlights the growing frustration among locals, who feel that their concerns have been overlooked for too long.
As the waste crisis in Hoskote continues to escalate, there is a pressing need for immediate intervention by local leaders and authorities. The delay in opening the Kallahalli facility is proving to be a serious obstacle, but even once it becomes operational, more comprehensive and sustainable waste management solutions will be required to keep up with the town’s rapid growth. Effective segregation, recycling, and disposal practices must be adopted to address the issue long-term.
If left unchecked, the waste crisis could lead to serious public health risks, environmental degradation, and a decline in the quality of life for Hoskote’s residents. The town’s continued growth demands that the municipal government prioritises waste management as a key area for development. Without immediate action, Hoskote’s waste problems could spiral out of control, making it an increasingly difficult place to live and work.
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