Indian City of Bangalore Plans to Solve Garbage Problems using Blockchain

By Kapil Gauhar

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has plans to launch a blockchain-based solution to address the complaints associated with the Indian city’s garbage problems.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike is the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and a few infrastructural assets of the Greater Bangalore metropolitan area. This administrative body has partnered with a local non-profit organization, CITAG (Citizen Involved & Technology Assisted Governance), to pilot test a blockchain solution that could cherish transparency as well as accountability in the region’s waste management system.

Randeep D, a Special Commissioner of BBMP, said –

“CITAG approached us with a proposal that they would develop a blockchain-based complaints grievance system at their own cost. Blockchain technology will make it tamper-proof. So all players on the platform can see actions that have been taken regarding a complaint. There is a lot of data integrity and transparency involved in having such a blockchain-based helpline. Different stages of the redressal will be visible to everybody.”

According to the reports, the system will allow the complainants to post their remarks or their satisfaction to the steps taken by the city to address their complaints.

Randeep added –

“This level of transparency will exist so that there is some pressure on official also to deliver on the ground and so that it reflects online as well.”

CITAG co-founder, GR Chandran, said that their team had got a green signal from the BBMP and the pilot test is anticipated to begin in the first week of June.

Chandran said –

“The key differentiating factor will be – you will have better information about the complaint you are raising, that is not just the status of the complaint but also exact information of who is currently handling the problem when it is expected to get resolved. If it is not resolved within the expected time period, it will be escalated and will get more traction within BBMP. We also plan to launch a rating/review system with respect to complaint redressal based on jurisdiction or staff member.”