While the formal order is yet to be issued, the Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has approved the proposal to levy a user fee for domestic waste generators in the city.
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Starting April 1, Bengaluru residents may see an increase in their property tax payments as the Karnataka government has introduced a new user fee for domestic waste generators in the city. While the formal order is yet to be issued, the Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has approved the proposal put forth by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) in November last year.
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The property tax hike comes just a month after Namma Metro implemented a fare hike of 45 to 50 per cent.
The user fee aims to finance waste collection and disposal services, though critics have raised concerns for it being unscientific in implementation as the fund will be used for services such as door-to-door waste collection and disposal. BSWML expects to generate approximately Rs 600 crore annually from this levy, with estimates suggesting an even higher potential revenue.
This fee will be integrated into the property tax and calculated based on the built-up area of properties. Six slabs have been established, ranging from Rs 10 per month for buildings up to 600 sq ft to Rs 400 per month for those exceeding 4,000 sq ft. Consequently, residents are likely to experience a notable rise in their annual property tax burden.
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For bulk waste generators, including large apartment complexes and commercial establishments, an additional charge of Rs 12 per kg will apply if they fail to engage an empanelled agency for waste processing. This could significantly impact operational costs for such entities.
Notably, the existing Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess — used for public sanitation efforts like street cleaning — will remain unchanged. The new user fee is expected to supplement these funds, though its introduction has sparked debate.
While the government defends the measure as essential for improving waste management in the city, some critics argue that its execution lacks scientific rigor and disproportionately burdens taxpayers. The effectiveness of the new system remains to be seen, but its financial implications for Bengaluru residents are clear.
