Garbage collection resumed in parts of Bengaluru on Thursday after residents living near a waste processing unit in Belhalli called off a two-day blockade, following the Karnataka government’s announcement of… $Infrastructure development package worth Rs 550 crore.
The protest began on February 16, when villagers near the Belhalli garbage dump stopped more than 150 trucks from entering the facility, halting dumping of waste from multiple neighborhoods. Bengaluru generates nearly 6,000 tonnes of garbage every day, and Bilhalli is one of six landfill sites that handle the city’s waste, along with Mitaganahalli, Kannur, Chikkanagamangala, Kanhalli and Doddabedarakalu. The blockade quickly led to a backlog, forcing authorities to look for alternative sites for dumping waste.
Some trucks tried to divert to Doddaballapura, but residents there also intercepted them and sent them back, officials said. As waste disposal methods shrink, disruptions have begun to affect garbage collection in several areas, raising concerns about a long-term sanitation crisis.
Residents near Belhali said they were protesting because development promises made by the government nearly two years ago had not been fulfilled. They claimed that the constant movement of garbage trucks damaged internal roads and worsened living conditions. Although Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited had mentioned this earlier $Rs 90 crore has been allocated for the development of the area, and villagers have expressed their dissatisfaction, saying the funds are insufficient and the works are not progressing as expected.
The situation escalated further when nearly 400 garbage trucks were diverted to Belahalli due to problems in Mahadevapura and Byatarayanapura, far exceeding the normally permitted number. According to officials, only about 70 vehicles are allowed to dispose of waste in Belhalli every day. The sudden surge in traffic exacerbated local anger and became the immediate cause of the blockade.
The deadlock ended after the state government agreed to A $Infrastructure package worth Rs 550 crore for the affected area. Kari Gowda, CEO of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited, said the decision meets the demands of residents and paves the way for resumption of operations.
“Orders have been issued to commence development work in and around landfill sites and waste processing plants, to address the concerns of local residents,” Gowda said, adding that the issue was resolved without the need for further meetings.
According to Gowda, the funding will be launched in phases. In the first stage, $Rs 90 crore each were sanctioned for Mahadevapura, Byatarayanapura and Yeshwanthpur. You will receive Anikal $50 Crore, Bengaluru South $20 Crore and Doddaballapur $10 Crores. In the second additional stage $Rs 100 crore will be allocated each to Byatarayanapura and Mahadevapura.
He also said that authorities plan to organize garbage transportation more efficiently in the coming months and reduce the number of vehicles traveling to landfill sites in order to reduce environmental and health impacts on neighboring communities.
On Thursday, the authorities allowed garbage trucks to resume dumping waste in Belhalli within the prescribed limits. Restoring access is expected to gradually clear the backlog and return collection services to normal, officials said.
The crisis also took on political dimensions during the confrontation. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had warned that strict action would be taken under the Essential Services Maintenance Act against those who obstruct waste disposal.
In response to the protests and related unrest, some opposition leaders were accused of using the issue to pressure the government. “Behave yourself, or we will take strict action under the SEC. We will throw garbage in front of the houses of BJP MLAs and leaders who obstruct garbage disposal,” he said.
