Tension arose on the outskirts of Bengaluru as over 300 garbage trucks bound for Doddaballapur were blocked by local residents and BJP leaders who opposed waste dumping in the area. The trucks were redirected to Doddaballapur town due to protests against garbage disposal in Mahadevapura, following orders from the Greater Bengaluru Authority. However, truck movement was stopped after a recent fatal road accident, fueling public outrage.
The trucks were obstructed near Dodda Mankala by residents, led by BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju, who prevented more than 300 vehicles from advancing. Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials intervened, imposing fines on several trucks. Muniraju criticized the GBA authorities, highlighting the region’s struggle with existing waste disposal facilities and declaring a refusal to allow trucks without proper permits to unload waste.
Residents also resisted waste dumping at Mittaganahalli and Bellahalli garbage processing units, citing inadequate scientific waste disposal and lack of funds from the village panchayat to manage the situation. Allegedly, GBA Solid Waste Disposal CEO Kari Gowda instructed around 300 additional trucks to head towards Doddaballapur to handle the city’s waste, sparking opposition in the affected areas.
In Bellahalli, residents raised concerns about health risks from the garbage processing units, with youths noting the impact on their prospects, including marriage proposals, due to the stigma associated with living near dump sites. The situation remains tense as local authorities engage in negotiations with residents to address waste management and environmental safety concerns.
