Garbage piles up across city as Mitaganahalli protest disrupts waste disposal

Bengaluru: Several parts of the city are grappling with garbage piles after waste collection was severely disrupted Friday. The crisis was triggered by residents of Mitaganahalli in the eastern part of the city, blocking garbage compactors from dumping waste at the landfill, alleging unscientific disposal and environmental hazards. As a result, garbage collection vehicles were stranded, leaving residential areas across Bengaluru stinking under the weight of uncollected waste.
Across localities like Banashankari, Jayanagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Dasarahalli, Electronics City, and Sarjapur, among other parts of Bengaluru, residents are struggling with mounting trash, which is attracting stray animals, mosquitoes, and flies.
At Banashankari, garbage heaps have grown along footpaths and market areas, causing severe inconvenience. "The garbage from the past three days is still lying here. Stray dogs and cows are rummaging through the waste, making it even more difficult for pedestrians. The stench is unbearable," said Priya G, a resident of Banashankari Stage II.
Jayanagar, known for its tree-lined streets and well-planned neighbourhoods, is also feeling the impact. "We have always prided ourselves on maintaining a clean area, but now, every street corner has garbage bags piling up. BBMP has completely failed us," said Nandakumar S, a resident of Jayanagar 4th Block.
At Rajarajeshwari Nagar, where garbage is piling up outside apartment complexes and public spaces, residents are worried about health hazards. "Though we have segregated the waste properly, there are already three bags of waste now. With the summer heat, the situation is only going to worsen. BBMP must find a solution soon," said Shobha Ravindran, a resident of BEML Layout.
BBMP officials acknowledged the disruption and assured that efforts are underway to resolve the situation. However, a senior BSWML (Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited) official said there are problems in the Mitaganahalli plant. "We are trying to negotiate with them (protesters) and working towards improving the waste disposal method and finding a long-term solution," the official said.