BENGALURU: Implementation of the new garbage collection system has begun in 56 wards across Bengaluru. This follows BBMP’s move to scrap an earlier tender over failure of the former contractor to abide by solid waste management guidelines and reissue it.
Last September, the Palike had floated a tender to implement a new waste management system to achieve 100% segregation and removal of black spots in 39 wards in three months.
By the end of two months, it was clear that the contractor had failed to follow the rules. “The contractor did not issue vehicles in time and many wards were teeming with black spots. Waste collection also failed,” said a senior BBMP official, SWM cell.
A test run began in Govindrajanagar ward (104) to separate wet and dry waste. According to the SWM guidelines issued to the contractor, auto-tippers were to be equipped with RFID, GPS and public address system, had to carry the ward and zone names and have designated drivers and helps. But none of these rules was adhered to. “When he was allocated the tender, he promised to do all of the above but failed to practise it later,” an official said.
Files accessed by TOI show the re-tender was called for on November 23, 2020, with January 8, 2021 being the last date for submission of bids. The work order was issued for 92 wards, and work has begun in 56.
Regarding the other 36 wards, SWM special commissioner D Randeep said: “Demo of auto-tippers/compactors is complete in 13 wards but work has not yet begun. In the remaining 23 wards, even the demo hasn’t started.” “If work doesn’t commence in these 36 wards by February first week, we will cancel this tender. We will re-issue it until all 198 wards get a proper waste collection system,” he added.