Send video of litterbugs dropping waste to BSWML's WhatsApp number, earn Rs 250
Bengaluru: In a bid to curb rampant waste dumping, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) has launched a new initiative offering a Rs 250 reward to anyone who records and shares videos of littering incidents. The move follows the earlier ‘Kasa Suriyuva Habba’ campaign, which targeted litterbugs by dumping garbage at their doorsteps.
The videos can be shared on BSWML’s dedicated WhatsApp number, 9448197197.
BSWML Managing Director Karee Gowda said the agency has received a clear mandate from the government to address key waste management issues while restructuring infrastructure to meet the city’s needs over the next 30 to 40 years.
“Given a freehand by the government, BSWML is able to take bold steps, including dumping waste at the doorsteps of such mischief mongers who care less for the city and its aesthetics. To strengthen BSWML’s image and ensure people take us seriously, we are launching the video initiative. Those shooting the video should share the location and also details of violators if possible,” The New Indian Express quoted Gowda as saying.
Gowda noted that people continue to litter, often too lazy to hand over their garbage to auto tippers sent to their doorsteps.
BSWML is also exploring ways to transfer the reward money directly to the UPI accounts of people who share videos, with their identities reportedly kept confidential.
Addressing concerns about the additional financial burden on BSWML, an official said the agency will not incur a loss, as the rewards will be paid from penalties collected from litterbugs.
“We collect Rs 1,000 to 10,000 depending of the quantity and type of waste dumped by irresponsible public. Rewarding Rs 250 is not a loss at all and this will rather encourage people to keep the city clean,” TNIE quoted an official as saying.
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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
