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Key Points

Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar has taken a strong stance against what he calls the "garbage mafia" in Bengaluru. He criticized contractors for allegedly forming cartels and manipulating the waste management system through legal tactics. The city continues to struggle with over 5,000 tonnes of daily waste, which previously led to public health concerns. Shivakumar promised his government would not yield to intimidation while addressing this critical civic issue.

Key Points: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar Vows to Fight Bengaluru Garbage Mafia

  • Shivakumar vows to challenge court stay on waste tenders
  • Accuses contractors of forming cartels to manipulate system
  • Bengaluru generates 5,000+ tonnes of waste daily
  • Waste crisis previously caused health hazards in city
3 min read

We don't fear garbage mafia, they can't blackmail our govt: K'taka Dy CM

Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar pledges to tackle Bengaluru's waste crisis, vowing no surrender to garbage mafia intimidation tactics.

"We don't fear the garbage mafia. They can't blackmail our government. - D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, June 17

Commenting on the interim stay granted by the Karnataka High Court regarding the re-tendering process for solid waste management, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as Bengaluru Development Minister, stated on Tuesday, "We don't fear the garbage mafia. They can't blackmail our government."

When asked about the High Court's interim stay, he elaborated, "How can the city not be cleaned? I will review this verdict. Previously, there were 89 tenders, and all of them formed their own group. This is a mafia. They think they can mislead us. We will make the court understand this."

He added, "Whenever we try to undertake any work, some groups resort to intimidation tactics like filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and obtaining stay orders. All this will not happen under this government. The old players will be removed, and new ones will be given an opportunity."

"I will check the High Court's order in this regard. I won't pass any comments on the court itself. Earlier, a group came together and formed a cartel. They think they can stop the government. It is a big mafia, and we will convince the court in this regard," Dy CM Shivakumar stated.

He reiterated, "Whatever work we want to take up, they are approaching the court, filing PILs, and obtaining stays. If they think they can blackmail this government, it is not going to happen."

A Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court on Monday has issued an interim stay on the order by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited, a government-owned company responsible for executing solid waste management (SWM) projects.

The agency had claimed that through re-tendering, it would ensure scientific garbage disposal in more than 33 wards of Bengaluru city. The petitioners, however, claimed that the order for re-tendering is entirely against the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999. The matter is scheduled to come before the court on June 19.

According to sources, Bengaluru is grappling with a significant garbage problem, generating around 5,000 to 5,757 tonnes of waste daily, with a substantial portion going to landfills.

The city faces challenges in waste management due to rapid population growth and inadequate infrastructure, leading to public outcry and health concerns.

In March, the waste management crisis surfaced in Bengaluru city after dumping at the Mittaganahalli quarry near Kannur was halted. This led to piles of uncollected waste accumulating on streets, emitting a foul smell and raising fears of an epidemic.

The issue was raised in the Assembly, and Dy CM Shivakumar stated on the floor of the House that Bengaluru MLAs from all parties were blackmailing him over garbage contracts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Finally someone speaking tough on this garbage mafia! Bengaluru's waste problem has been going on for years while these contractors made crores. Hope the government follows through with action, not just words. The city deserves better infrastructure 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the strong stance, the government should have done proper homework before announcing re-tendering. Now court stays are delaying solutions further. My area hasn't had proper waste collection for weeks - the stench is unbearable 😷
A
Arjun S.
This isn't just about contracts - we need sustainable solutions. Why isn't there more focus on waste segregation at source? My society does it properly but everything gets mixed in garbage trucks. The system needs complete overhaul, not just new contractors.
S
Shweta R.
As a Bengalurean, I'm tired of this blame game. Every government says the same things but the garbage piles keep growing. We pay taxes - where is the accountability? The Deputy CM should give us a clear timeline for when we'll see actual improvement.
V
Vikram J.
The garbage mafia exists because of political protection all these years. Now that same political class is acting surprised? 🤔 Hope this isn't just about replacing old contractors with new favorites. Transparency in the re-tendering process is crucial.
N
Neha P.
Instead of fighting in courts, can't we learn from cities like Indore? Their waste management model works brilliantly. Bengaluru was once India's pride - now we're becoming known for garbage and traffic. So disappointing for us natives who've seen better days.

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