Waste collection likely to suffer in Bengaluru as over 150 garbage trucks blocked at Bellahalli

Protesters at Bellahalli block over 150 garbage trucks, threatening waste collection in Bengaluru due to delayed infrastructure funding.

Garbage clearance in parts of Bengaluru is likely to be hit starting February 18 as villagers near the Bellahalli waste processing unit blocked more than 150 garbage trucks. The protest was triggered by complaints from locals that funds promised for local infrastructure development have not been released for nearly two years. 

The protest began on February 16 at the Bellahalli landfill with trucks carrying waste from different parts of Bengaluru prevented from unloading. With the vehicles stranded near the site, regular garbage disposal operations across the city are likely to slow down.

Bellahalli handles waste from north and east Bengaluru.

The city generates nearly 6,000 tonnes of garbage every day, which is distributed across six landfill locations — Mittaganahalli, Kannur, Chikkanagamangala, Kannahalli and Doddabidarakallu apart from Bellahalli. 

Officials from the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) said talks would be held to resolve the issue. The official added that ₹90 crore had been granted for the area, but residents were dissatisfied with the amount. The agency confirmed that waste collection in parts of the city could be partially affected if the disruption continues.