Aafrin Kidwai 
Barely six months after announcing that it would adopt the Indore model of waste collection, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to revert to its old system of collecting wet and dry waste separately and transporting it to landfills and recycling plants on the city’s outskirts.
Following the Indore model, BBMP deployed vehicles fitted with separate bins for wet, dry, and sanitary waste. All waste was collected the same day and processed at recycling plants in all wards. The BBMP had announced a pilot project in five wards this January despite concerns that the project could face hurdles as tenders for separate collection of wet and dry waste had already been finalised, reports The Times of India.
However, a High Court directive has forced the BBMP to revert to its old system of waste collection. At a recent council meeting, a decision was taken to issue work orders to 45 contractors to whom BBMP had already issued a letter of acceptance.
In accordance with the old system, contractors will be responsible for collecting and transporting wet and sanitary waste while dry waste will be collected by ragpickers and taken to Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) or plants managed by self-help groups.
