Rs 5,000 fine on motorists throwing garbage on Bengaluru roads. Bengaluru-News News

Last updated:December 12, 2025, 11:53 IST

Apart from the fine of Rs 5,000, offenders may also be asked to bear the cost of transporting the waste back to their residence, covering the expenses incurred by civic agencies.

Residents of many areas of Bengaluru have become familiar with the quiet early morning ritual. Vehicles coming from elsewhere slow down for a short time, a bag of household waste is dropped on the shutter of a shop, on the footpath or in front of someone else’s house and the vehicle moves on without saying anything.

By the time the road opens, garbage remains lying around, a problem moving from one area to another, often unnoticed by the dumpers, but much to the dismay of the people living there.

Civic officials say this pattern of silent dumping has become increasingly common, prompting stricter enforcement measures. Under the fresh crackdown, motorists caught throwing garbage on roads and public places in Bengaluru will now have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000.

How does the crackdown work?

The enforcement operation is being carried out by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited in collaboration with marshals and traffic police. Officials say the focus is on identifying motorists who litter while driving and holding them accountable.

Using CCTV footage, on-ground surveillance and vehicle registration records, enforcement teams track offenders and issue fines. In some cases, authorities may even return discarded waste to the offender’s residence as a deterrent. Officials say this approach is meant to discourage repeat violations and reinforce individual responsibility for waste disposal.

Why are motorists being targeted?

Despite door-to-door garbage collection in most parts of the city, dumping garbage on roadside remains a persistent problem. Officials say motorists often dump trash in areas outside their neighborhoods to avoid scrutiny or complaints from local residents.

Garbage bags are often found near junctions, medians, footpaths and closed shops, creating black spots that sanitation workers are forced to clean again and again. Officials say this practice shifts the burden of waste management from individuals to communities that do not generate waste.

A KIA car driver was fined Rs 5000 for throwing garbage in Savjana Nagar, Kalyan Nagar yesterday.

Stricter enforcement than before

While penalties for illegal dumping already existed, officials believe enforcement was inconsistent. The current campaign embodies a more visible and consistent approach, with marshals instructed to proactively record violations rather than relying solely on complaints.

Surveillance cameras at busy junctions and known dumping zones are being used to identify offenders. Officials say repeated violations will be closely monitored and action will be taken.

Returning garbage to criminals’ doors

Civic officials believe that fines alone may not be enough to bring about a change in behaviour. The purpose of returning garbage to the offender’s doorstep is to create a sense of accountability and public awareness.

Apart from the fine of Rs 5,000, offenders may also be asked to bear the cost of transporting the waste back to their residence, covering the expenses incurred by civic agencies.

dealing with garbage black spots

Officials say the action is part of a broader effort to eliminate the black spots of garbage in Bengaluru. Teams are mapping areas where dumping occurs frequently and increasing surveillance at those locations.

Public complaints and video evidence submitted by residents are also being reviewed to support enforcement action. Officials say citizen cooperation will be key to continuing the effort.

Why does this matter to the city?

Several thousand tonnes of garbage is generated every day in Bengaluru and improper disposal increases the pressure on sanitation workers and public infrastructure. Illegal dumping causes clogged drains, health risks, odor and visual pollution.

Officials argue that without consistent implementation, awareness campaigns alone have limited impact. He says the current approach aims to reinforce the message that public spaces are not dumping grounds.

What residents should know

While many residents have welcomed the strict action, some have urged authorities to ensure that the pace of the campaign does not slow down. They point out that previous cleanup efforts often fizzle out after initial publicity.

Civic officials say enforcement will continue in all areas to prevent dumping from shifting from one area to another.

message going forward

Authorities have urged motorists to dispose of waste responsibly at home or at designated collection points. He says that roads, footpaths and public spaces are common property and not dumping grounds for household waste.

For Bengaluru residents, the message is clear. Throwing garbage from vehicles can now attract a fine of Rs 5,000, public liability and additional costs. Civic officials hope that continued enforcement will gradually bring about a change in behavior and reduce roadside dumping across the city.