Will small EV-sweepers keep Bengaluru’s narrow market lanes cleaner?  Premium

However, these machines are unable to navigate the narrow lanes of commercial areas such as the Old Pete area, Shivajinagar, and other market hubs in the city, where mechanical sweeping has been a longstanding demand to reduce dust accumulation. Dust accumulation along median strips due to heavy vehicular traffic has also not been adequately addressed.

In November 2024, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced that the civic body will buy 86 small battery-operated mechanical sweepers to clean narrow streets in the city’s densely populated market areas and commercial streets to reduce dust. While a few citizens were skeptical about the use of these sweepers, solid waste management experts, shopkeepers at market areas and shoppers have appreciated the move.  

The BBMP currently uses 25 large truck-sized mechanical sweepers for cleaning arterial roads during nighttime. Currently, large, mechanized cleaning machines are used only on arterial and sub-arterial roads.

However, these machines are unable to navigate the narrow lanes of commercial areas such as the Old Pete area, Shivajinagar, and other market hubs in the city, where mechanical sweeping has been a longstanding demand to reduce dust accumulation. Dust accumulation along median strips due to heavy vehicular traffic has also not been adequately addressed.

To address this limitation, the State government has approved funds under the 15th Finance Commission Grants for the procurement of battery-operated electric mechanical sweeping machines with a capacity of less than two cubic meters. The BBMP has issued tenders for 86 of these compact electric sweepers and tenders have been called for twice.

These new mini-sweepers are expected to be more manoeuvrable and efficient in cleaning confined spaces like footpaths and sidewalks, thereby contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment. 

The BBMP is in the process of finalising the specifications for these machines and has floated tenders for their procurement. The civic body is hopeful that this initiative will improve air quality and also enhance the overall cleanliness of the city.

Speaking to The Hindu, Basavaraj Kabade, chief engineer of BBMP’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) section said that the machines will help manage cleanliness in densely populated and busy areas.