BNCC surprise inspection uncovers fake attendance entries, missing waste collection vehicles and serious lapses in solid waste management
Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar conducted an early-morning surprise inspection of solid waste management operations across multiple wards on June 18. The inspection uncovered false attendance marking, absentee waste collection vehicles, staff shortages, and safety violations, prompting immediate action against several Ward Marshals.
Bengaluru: A surprise inspection conducted by the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) has uncovered serious irregularities in the city's solid waste management system, including fake attendance entries, absent waste collection vehicles, shortage of staff, and violations of worker safety norms.
Acting on repeated public complaints, BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar constituted four inspection teams and carried out an early-morning review of Auto Merging Points across different wards of the city at around 5:45 am on Thursday.
The inspection revealed widespread discrepancies between physical vehicle presence and attendance records maintained through the corporation's digital monitoring system.
BNCC Surprise Inspection Reveals Attendance Manipulation
The Commissioner, accompanied by DGM Rashmi, inspected the Auto Merging Point near Wheeler Town Flyover in Ward No. 59.
Officials found that attendance had already been marked for several waste collection vehicles before their arrival. While only 21 autos were physically accounted for, digital records showed that 24 vehicles had been marked operational.
The discrepancy indicated that attendance had allegedly been recorded for three vehicles that were not present at the site.
In addition, several vehicles lacked helper staff, and sanitation workers were found operating without mandatory safety gloves.
"Attendance was marked for vehicles that were not physically present, indicating misuse of the digital attendance system," officials observed during the inspection.
Waste Collection Vehicle Shortage Found Across Multiple Wards
The inspection findings revealed a similar pattern across other Auto Merging Points.
In Ward No. 49, inspected by Joint Commissioner Mohammed Nayeem Momin, only 10 out of 25 registered autos were physically present. However, attendance records showed 23 vehicles as operational.
Likewise, in Ward No. 27, inspected by Additional Commissioner (Revenue In-Charge) Pallavi, only 17 of 35 waste collection autos were found at the designated location.
In Ward No. 24, inspected by AGM Mamatha, only 18 of 31 autos were available despite attendance records reflecting higher operational numbers.
Across all locations, officials reported staff shortages, inadequate supervision, and non-compliance with prescribed safety measures.
BNCC Orders Action Against Ward Marshals
Taking serious note of the irregularities, Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar directed officials to immediately remove the concerned Ward Marshals from duty.
The inspection report indicated negligence in supervision and possible misuse of the geo-tagged attendance system used for monitoring waste collection operations.
According to BNCC guidelines, attendance must be recorded through a mobile application by scanning QR codes within a 150-metre radius of designated Auto Merging Points.
However, officials discovered instances where attendance was reportedly marked despite vehicles not being physically present at the mapped locations.
"Irresponsibility, negligence and misuse of public systems will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those found violating service norms," the Commissioner warned.
Solid Waste Management Efficiency Under Scrutiny
The inspection highlighted concerns that attendance manipulation and absentee vehicles may be affecting the efficiency of Bengaluru's door-to-door waste collection services.
Officials noted that in several locations, less than 50 per cent of the assigned vehicles were physically available despite digital records suggesting normal operations.
The Commissioner emphasised that the city's waste management challenges are not linked to the absence of new tenders but stem primarily from weak implementation, inadequate supervision, and failure to adhere to operational schedules.
Corporation officials have now been instructed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure greater accountability in sanitation services.
BNCC Plans More Surprise Inspections
Following the findings, BNCC has announced that similar surprise inspections will continue across the city to improve public service delivery and sanitation standards.
The Corporation stated that transparency, punctuality, and strict compliance with operational procedures will be key priorities moving forward.
Officials believe sustained monitoring and disciplinary action against erring personnel will help improve waste collection efficiency and restore public confidence in civic services.
"Regular inspections will continue to ensure better sanitation management and stronger accountability in public service delivery," the Commissioner said.
