Bengaluru's "Return Gift" Initiative: Authorities Combat Littering by Returning Garbage to Offenders' Doorsteps

Bengaluru's innovative approach returns litter to offenders' doorsteps.

Bengaluru:

Residents of Bengaluru who dispose of trash improperly have been issued a clear warning. If you discard waste on public streets, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will return it directly to your residence.

The GBA has implemented a "Garbage Dumping Festival," effectively reversing the situation by delivering discarded waste back to those responsible for littering the city.

This program aims to deliver a powerful message about maintaining cleanliness.

A 'Return Gift'

In conversation with NDTV, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited's (BSWML) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karigowda explained, "We operate approximately 5,000 collection vehicles throughout Bengaluru that visit households to collect segregated dry and wet waste. Despite this service, some individuals continue to discard garbage on roadways."

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Karigowda noted that BSWML receives video evidence of individuals littering streets, and they have also installed surveillance cameras to monitor such activities.

"This initiative serves as a form of 'return gift' to raise awareness about proper waste disposal," he stated.

In addition to returning the garbage, Karigowda mentioned that violators will face a Rs 2,000 fine.

Regarding social media criticism calling the initiative bizarre, the official responded, "This is not a bizarre activity. Our workers visit each household to educate residents about waste segregation. We are conducting awareness campaigns via social media and urging people to refrain from roadside littering."

Emphasizing Bengaluru's status as a "garden city," Karigowda appealed to residents to avoid littering and help maintain the city's cleanliness.

How Are The Offenders Tracked?

The senior official further informed NDTV that offenders are identified through CCTV footage, and officials document violations whenever they witness such incidents.

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When questioned about garbage disposal issues in areas lacking regular collection services, he mentioned that large waste bins are being installed where residents can properly discard their garbage.