Bengaluru: Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, who also serves as Managing Director of the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) — the agency responsible for the city’s waste collection — was questioned by The Bengaluru Live after it emerged that garbage-filled autos were allegedly being driven to residential areas, identified through E-commerce data, to dump waste and collect penalty amounts.
The controversial operation, reportedly executed by BSWML enforcement teams (Marshals), aimed to identify alleged litterers and impose fines. Residents have denounced the move as illegal, intimidating, and degrading to citizens.
When asked by The Bengaluru Live under which provision of law such dumping was allowed, Maheshwar Rao avoided a direct response, saying only that he would “discuss the matter with the BSWML CEO.”
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In a continuing series of reports, The Bengaluru Live has appealed to the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court to take suo motu cognizance of what it calls a gross violation of civic procedures, environmental laws, and citizens’ constitutional rights.
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The investigation revealed that BSWML and GBA officials allegedly used E-commerce billing and delivery data to locate homes, then dumped garbage-laden autos outside those addresses as part of an enforcement drive.
The Bengaluru Live has argued that this practice constitutes a misuse of administrative power and a direct assault on citizens’ dignity, urging the judiciary to ensure constitutional accountability and lawful governance in Bengaluru’s civic system.
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Urban Development ACS Silent on the Controversy
When approached for comment, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Tushar Giri Nath declined to speak on record but confirmed that he would take up the issue with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s urban affairs.
Off-Record Admission: ‘The Message Has Been Sent’
After the press conference, a city commissioner speaking off the record acknowledged that the drive had gone beyond its intended purpose.
“At first, we too felt it was wrong — dumping garbage in front of houses to collect fines looked like an insult to taxpayers,” the officer said.
“Now the message has been sent. The campaign has served its purpose and must stop.”
Another official within BSWML admitted that the move — initially designed as a “shock tactic” to deter littering — had backfired, damaging public trust.
“It might have grabbed attention, but it crossed the line. It’s time for transparency and lawful enforcement,” the official said.
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Civic Agency Promises Reform
BSWML officials now claim that they are shifting their focus to reforms and public trust, saying over 250 tonnes of city waste are now being diverted daily to authorized processing facilities.
The agency is also introducing modern vehicles, improved segregation systems, and early-morning double shifts in busy commercial zones.
A senior engineer added,
“Our goal is clean governance, not coercion. Citizens should feel respected, not punished.”
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