Bengaluru is finally taking decisive steps to address its long-standing construction and demolition (C&D) waste crisis. After years of illegal dumping that has choked vacant plots, footpaths, and stormwater drains, the city is moving towards a structured, long-term solution. The state government has approved three new processing plants and is actively developing a comprehensive policy framework to regulate the entire lifecycle of construction debris.
New Policy and Plants to Boost Capacity
The Karnataka government is working on a detailed policy that will clearly outline disposal procedures for both large builders and individual homeowners. This framework will also establish pricing norms and enforce compliance. To oversee this, a dedicated committee is likely to be formed soon by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) to finalize these charges and rules within the next six months.
Simultaneously, the government has cleared three new tenders to dramatically expand the city's waste-handling capability. Currently, Bengaluru struggles with a massive daily generation of approximately 6,000 tonnes of C&D waste, as per Karnataka State Pollution Control Board estimates. The existing infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with only two plants at Kannuru and Chikkajala having a combined daily capacity of just 1,750 tonnes.
Single Operator to Manage Expanded Network
In a significant development, Chitra Civil Ventures has emerged as the successful bidder for all three new plants. This means a single private operator will handle the majority of the city's construction debris. The firm will also have the rights to monetize the byproducts generated from processing the waste.
The new facilities will be established under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Each plant will have a capacity of 750 tonnes per day (TPD). Once operational, they will boost Bengaluru's total C&D waste processing capacity to a much more robust 4,000 TPD.
Financial Framework and Implementation
The financial commitment for this expansion is substantial. The three new PPP packages involve a total tipping fee of Rs 1,714.8 crore over a 15-year period. Separately, the collection and transportation contracts linked to the two existing plants are valued at Rs 1,048.2 crore for the same duration.
BSWML will provide the land for the new plants, with three sites tentatively identified: Mandur, Doddabidarkallu, and Begur. Each site is expected to be allocated around seven acres. Under the new system, the cost of collection and handling will be paid directly by the waste generators.
Officials highlight that the current lack of a clear policy has directly led to rampant illegal dumping. The combination of expanded processing capacity and a regulated, enforceable pricing structure is expected to bring much-needed accountability. This integrated approach aims to tackle one of Bengaluru's most persistent and visible civic challenges, promising a cleaner and more systematically managed urban environment.
