Under the proposal, waste wardens will be trained to educate people on waste segregation & help prevent blackspot formation
Under the proposal, waste wardens would be trained to educate residents on proper waste segregation, ensure garbage is handed over to collection vehicles, monitor collection systems in their localities, and help prevent the formation of blackspots. The volunteers could also be deployed during large public events that generate significant amounts of waste. At present, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) already deploys marshals, link workers or community mobilisers, and junior health officers to oversee various aspects of waste management. These personnel are tasked with ensuring garbage collection vehicles arrive on schedule, promoting waste segregation at source, educating residents and preventing littering within their jurisdictions. Given the similarity in responsibilities, it remains unclear how the proposed waste wardens would differ from or complement the functions carried out by these teams. Several participants at the consultation nevertheless backed the proposal, saying a dedicated volunteer network could help improve community participation and strengthen neighbourhood-level monitoring. Many residents, however, suggested that the wardens should be offered an honorarium or incentives to encourage participation and reward those who help maintain cleaner neighbourhoods. The proposal is still at a conceptual stage, with details regarding the selection, training, responsibilities and possible incentives for waste wardens yet to be worked out. If implemented, it could add another layer of citizen participation to Bengaluru’s waste management system, with authorities hoping it will improve awareness and compliance at the neighbourhood level.