Karnataka High Court Questions GBA's Waste Management Claims, Seeks Report On Segregation, Disposal And Landfills

The Karnataka High Court on Friday (September 11) questioned the Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) claims regarding waste segregation in Bengaluru and directed it to place on record a comprehensive report on the action taken for disposal of waste generated in the Greater Bengaluru area, including whether it is ultimately being deposited in landfills.

The Division Bench of Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice T.P. Vivekananda was hearing a batch of petitions concerning solid waste management in Bengaluru, including a 2012 petition alleging non-compliance with waste management rules and dumping of unprocessed solid waste in quarries and lakes.

The Court directed GBA and the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) to file a comprehensive status report within three weeks.

During the hearing, the petitioners' counsel submitted that although source segregation and collection had improved pursuant to earlier Court directions, segregation was currently only around 35–40%, while Bengaluru's daily waste generation had increased from about 3,300 tonnes in 2012 to 7,500 tonnes.

The counsel also alleged that waste generated in the city was being dumped in areas outside the Greater Bengaluru limits, including quarries and lakes, causing groundwater pollution and environmental damage.

The petitioners further challenged the constitution of the Bangalore Solid Waste Management Company, alleging that GBA/BBMP could not abdicate its responsibility for solid waste management by creating an agency.

The GBA, however, disputed these claims and submitted that source segregation was being carried out effectively. It pointed out that certain areas, including Giri Nagar and Mahalakshmi Layout, had recorded up to 99% source segregation. It also informed the Court about steps being taken for door-to-door collection and transportation of waste.

The Court, however, questioned GBA's reliance on the compliance report submitted by the solid waste management company.

“Where is the status report by GBA? GBA will place their affidavits and compliance on record,” the Court said.

“You were not asked to file the company's report. You were asked to file what compliance you have done in terms of 2026 Rules,” the Bench added.

The Court specifically sought clarity on the disposal of wet waste and whether landfills were being filled.

“Where exactly is this wet waste being taken? Are the landfills being filled?” the Court asked.

The Bench noted the conflicting claims before it, “You [GBA] are stating that it is being segregated. They [petitioners] are saying it is ending up in landfills.”

The Court accordingly directed GBA to place its comprehensive report on record within three weeks.

Case Title: Ms Kavit Shankar v. state of Karnataka & Ors. & connected matters

Case No: WP 24739/2012