Why is Karnataka's Deputy CM Not Afraid of the Garbage Mafia?

Bengaluru, June 17 (NationPress) In response to the interim stay issued by the Karnataka High Court concerning the re-tendering process for solid waste management, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru's development, asserted on Tuesday, "We do not fear the garbage mafia. They cannot blackmail our government."

Addressing inquiries about the High Court's interim stay, he further explained, "How can we allow the city to remain unclean? I will review this verdict. Previously, there were 89 tenders, and they all formed a coalition. This is a mafia. They believe they can mislead us, but we will make the court understand this situation."

He continued, "Whenever we attempt to initiate any project, certain groups resort to intimidation tactics such as filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and securing stay orders. This will not occur under our administration. We will eliminate the old players and provide opportunities to new ones."

"I will examine the High Court's ruling on this matter. I won’t comment on the court itself. Previously, a group collaborated and created a cartel, believing they could obstruct government actions. This is a significant mafia, and we will persuade the court regarding this." stated Deputy CM Shivakumar.

He reiterated, "Any work we plan to undertake faces court challenges, PILs, and stay orders. If they think they can blackmail this administration, they are mistaken."

A Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court on Monday issued an interim stay on the order from Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited, a government entity responsible for executing solid waste management (SWM) projects.

The agency claimed that re-tendering would facilitate scientific waste disposal across more than 33 wards in Bengaluru. However, petitioners contended that the re-tendering order contradicts the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999. The case is set to be heard again on June 19.

Bengaluru is currently facing a significant waste management crisis, generating approximately 5,000 to 5,757 tonnes of waste daily, a large portion of which ends up in landfills.

The city's waste management challenges are exacerbated by rapid population growth and insufficient infrastructure, resulting in public distress and health risks.

The waste management crisis came to the forefront in March after dumping at the Mittaganahalli quarry near Kannur was suspended, leading to heaps of uncollected waste on the streets, causing foul odors and raising health concerns.

This issue was highlighted in the Assembly, where Deputy CM Shivakumar claimed that Bengaluru MLAs from all political parties were attempting to blackmail him over garbage contracts.