The Karnataka government has approved a user fee for all domestic waste generators in Bengaluru, increasing property tax in the city. The decision, taken by the Urban Development Department under Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has sparked concerns among residents already dealing with rising living costs.
BSWML proposed the user fee in November last year, and while it has not issued an official order yet, the government has approved it. The fee is justified as a charge for waste collection and disposal services provided by BSWML. However, there are ongoing concerns over the efficiency of waste management in the city.
Fee Structure and Revenue Expectations
The user fee will be linked to property tax and structured based on the built-up area of a property. It will be applied in six slabs:
- Properties up to 600 sq ft: ₹10 per month (₹120 per year)
- Properties between 601 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft: ₹30 per month (₹360 per year)
- Properties between 1,001 sq ft and 3,000 sq ft: ₹50 per month (₹600 per year)
- Properties between 3,001 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft: ₹100 per month (₹1,200 per year)
- Properties larger than 4,000 sq ft: ₹400 per month (₹4,800 per year)
The BSWML estimates that the user fee could generate approximately ₹600 crore annually, though actual revenue may surpass this figure. Authorities will charge bulk waste generators, including apartment complexes and large commercial establishments, ₹12 per kg if they do not have an empanelled waste processing agency or an in-situ waste management system.
Impact on Citizens
The introduction of this fee has drawn criticism from residents who argue that it adds to their financial burden. The new charge comes on the heels of a fare hike of 45-50% by Namma Metro, further straining household budgets. Many citizens have also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the waste management system, questioning whether the additional charge will lead to improved services.
For many homeowners, property tax is already a significant expense, and the additional levy may increase overall costs substantially. While some residents acknowledge the need for better waste management, they remain sceptical about whether the funds collected will be utilised effectively. Past inefficiencies in garbage disposal and irregularities in the city’s waste management have raised doubts about whether the BSWML will be able to deliver noticeable improvements.
Existing Solid Waste Management Cess to Remain
Despite the introduction of the user fee, the existing Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess will remain unchanged. Authorities collect this cess as part of property tax to maintain public spaces, including street sweeping and cleanliness initiatives. Some residents have pointed out that with both the SWM Cess and the new user fee in place, they are effectively paying twice for waste management.
Critics say the city’s waste collection system lacks efficiency and accountability, raising concerns about how authorities will manage the new user fee. They urge officials to be more transparent about fund allocation and improvements in waste disposal and segregation.
Implementation and Future Challenges
While the government has granted approval, BSWML has yet to issue an official order specifying the exact implementation date. The fee is expected to take effect from April 1, coinciding with the new financial year. However, opposition from citizens and possible legal challenges could delay its enforcement.
Some civic groups and resident welfare associations have already voiced their concerns, stating that the government should focus on improving existing waste management rather than introducing additional charges. They also emphasise that Bengaluru’s waste segregation practices need improvement, and the focus should be on ensuring better execution rather than placing an extra financial burden on citizens.
Comparisons with Other Cities
Many cities in India and abroad have implemented similar waste collection fees. For instance, Pune and Hyderabad have separate user fees for waste management, though in some cases, the service quality has improved significantly. In contrast, cities like Mumbai integrate waste management costs into the overall municipal budget, reducing the direct burden on property owners. Bengaluru has aligned with global trends by imposing waste disposal charges to improve efficiency, but its success will depend on execution.
What Lies Ahead?
Bengaluru still faces waste management issues, and it is unclear if the new fee will improve cleanliness and waste disposal. The government plans to clarify service improvements and address citizen concerns in the coming weeks.
Residents and civic bodies are likely to push for greater accountability and transparency in fund utilisation. If the fee leads to tangible improvements in waste management, the opposition may subside over time. However, if inefficiencies persist, it may become a contentious issue in the city’s ongoing debate on urban governance and infrastructure development.
For now, homeowners must prepare for a likely increase in their annual property tax bills while awaiting further clarification from authorities.
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