Bengaluru: In a renewed push to enforce waste management norms, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) has intensified action against plastic use and violations of waste segregation rules, warning that penalties for repeat offences can go up to Rs 5 lakh.As part of the drive, authorities will closely monitor weddings, large gatherings, banquet halls and convention centres, where the use of single-use plastic items like plates, spoons, non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) bags, flex and plastic sheets remains prevalent. Surprise inspections and raids will be carried out, and violators will face immediate fines.Under the existing framework, initial violations for plastic use at events can attract penalties of up to Rs 3,500, escalating sharply for repeat offences. Waste segregation has also been made strictly mandatory, with penalties imposed on households, bulk waste generators and those dumping garbage in vacant sites.Households failing to segregate waste will face fines starting at Rs 500 for the first offence and Rs 1,000 for subsequent violations. Dumping waste in vacant plots can attract Rs 25,000 initially and Rs 50,000 thereafter, while bulk waste generators face fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Persistent violations across categories can lead to penalties up to Rs 5 lakh.In a parallel move, BSWML has introduced a graded penalty structure for violations at events, linking fines to the size of gatherings. Organisers conducting events without permission will face penalties starting from Rs 2,500 for gatherings of up to 5,000 people, rising to Rs 50,000 for events exceeding 25,000 people. Violations involving use of banned items will attract fines ranging from Rs 3,500 to Rs 50,000. BSWML CEO Karigowda said, “These fines are not new — they already exist under the Solid Waste Management rules. What we are doing now is ensuring strict enforcement on the ground. There will be zero tolerance, especially at large public events and among bulk waste generators.” Penalty for non-compliance at events and public gatheringsSI.No.OffenceNo. of peoplePennity amount based on no. of people at event (in Rs<5,0005,001-10.00010,001-25.000>25.000Carrying out event without permission2.5005,00010.00D50,000Violation of plastic hanPlastic & NWPP boos3.5007.00025.00050.000Plastic:thermocolfor serving foodbeverages3,5007,00025,00050,000Use of flex, plastic sheets, etc.3,5007,00025.00050.000Source: BSWML
