Rs 250 for catching litterbugs on camera? Bengaluru civic body says no decision taken yet

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Amid reports claiming that Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) would soon start rewarding citizens for filming people littering, the BSWML has clarified that no such decision has been finalised yet.

According to the circulating reports, residents who recorded videos of individuals dumping garbage in public places were to receive a cash reward of Rs 250 for sharing the footage with the authorities. However, BSWML officials have stated that while the idea of such an incentive-based initiative was discussed internally, it has not yet been approved or implemented.

“At present, there is no plan to offer monetary rewards to citizens for reporting habitual litterers,” a senior BSWML official was quoted by Deccan Herald as saying.

Reports had earlier mentioned that citizens would be able to submit photos or videos of “litterbugs” through a designated WhatsApp number or official social media handles.

The authorities would then verify the evidence, identify the offenders, and, under the proposed plan, issue the Rs 250 reward to the person who provided the proof.

Though not yet active, the idea actually aligns with Bengaluru’s garbage issue and focus on strengthening its waste management system and promoting civic responsibility. In recent months, officials have intensified enforcement by penalising repeat offenders, imposing heavy fines, and even returning dumped garbage to the doorsteps of those caught littering.

Officials said that the initiative, if implemented, aims to discourage residents from dumping waste in open spaces, particularly at night, and instead encourage them to hand over garbage properly to auto-tippers. BSWML has also launched awareness drives to make people understand the impact of irresponsible waste disposal and to ensure collective participation in maintaining cleaner neighbourhoods.