Summary – Bengaluru’s low ranking in cleanliness highlights the complexities of urban development amid rapid infrastructure expansion.,
Article –
Bengaluru, despite being a major technology hub and the capital of Karnataka, faces significant challenges in maintaining cleanliness, as highlighted by its ranking as the fifth dirtiest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 survey. This paradox exists even with numerous government infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban living standards.
Background
The annual Swachh Survekshan survey assesses Indian cities on sanitation, waste management, and hygiene. In 2025, Bengaluru’s low ranking among large cities reveals serious civic issues despite recent infrastructure upgrades like metro expansions and enhanced waste processing. Rapid population growth driven by its IT industry has increased demand for civic amenities, but challenges such as uncollected garbage, inadequate public toilets, and traffic congestion persist.
Key Stakeholders
The management of Bengaluru’s cleanliness primarily falls under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Additional support comes from the Karnataka State Government and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, along with private contractors managing specific projects. While ongoing initiatives, such as the Namma Metro expansion and solid waste management schemes, aim to improve conditions, the BBMP faces criticism over:
- Inefficiencies in project implementation
- Coordination challenges
- Insufficient manpower
Moreover, Bengaluru’s diverse population and informal settlements present governance complexities.
National Impact
Bengaluru’s poor cleanliness ranking affects more than just local residents; it impacts how India’s urban governance is perceived nationally. As a city contributing a GDP of over USD 110 billion, its urban health is vital for the economy. Sanitation and waste management failures can:
- Harm public health
- Deter investment
- Strain infrastructure systems
This situation underscores the broader need for integrated urban planning across India’s fast-growing cities, focusing not only on infrastructure construction but also on sustained maintenance and encouraging public involvement.
Expert Views
Urban planning specialists highlight that infrastructure alone is insufficient. According to Dr. Anil Kumar, “Infrastructure projects in Bengaluru are commendable but insufficient without community engagement and system-wide reforms in sanitation management.” Experts recommend the adoption of smart city technologies and boosting local authorities’ capacity to oversee and maintain cleanliness efforts effectively.
What Lies Ahead
The Karnataka government and BBMP plan to intensify cleanliness drives, enhance waste segregation, and upgrade processing plants. Proposed measures include:
- Incentivizing citizen participation in waste management
- Imposing stricter penalties for littering
- Utilizing technology for real-time cleanliness monitoring
Coordinating existing infrastructure efforts with environmental objectives will be critical to Bengaluru’s growth. A balanced focus on sanitation alongside physical infrastructure is essential for transforming the city into a sustainable and livable urban centre.
Overall, Bengaluru’s future success depends on collaborative efforts among stakeholders to convert infrastructure investments into real improvements in cleanliness and quality of life, meeting the expectations of both residents and businesses.
