From April 1, Bengaluru property owners have been met with an unexpected increase in their property tax bills due to the introduction of a new Solid Waste Management (SWM) user fee by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The new charge has been automatically added to the tax statements, resulting in noticeably higher amounts payable and leaving many residents surprised, particularly those who had opted to pay early to benefit from BBMP’s early bird rebate.

The SWM fee structure is based on the size and type of property, with residential units being charged between Rs 10 and Rs 400 per month. This translates to an annual increase ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 4800. Non-residential properties and vacant sites are also subject to separate rates under the same policy. The implementation came with limited public outreach, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among property owners across the city.

Several residents shared their frustrations, stating that they only became aware of the fee when their tax bills reflected the changes. One resident, despite paying early to receive a rebate, reported a surprising additional charge of over Rs 2000. Another resident noted being charged Rs 1200, prompting questions about the transparency of the fee’s rollout. Many have urged the BBMP to improve communication and provide better clarity around future policy changes.

Urban governance experts have criticised the lack of consultation and public engagement prior to the introduction of the fee. They argue that such decisions, when not clearly communicated, erode public trust. According to them, the BBMP should make greater efforts to explain why these fees are being introduced and how they contribute to improving city infrastructure.

The BBMP maintains that the user fee was included as part of this year’s budget and is necessary to bolster the city’s waste management systems. Officials claimed the announcement was made during budget discussions but acknowledged that public awareness was inadequate. Experts in municipal finance pointed out that phased implementation and targeted outreach could have eased the transition and helped avoid the backlash now being faced.

The SWM fee comes as Bengaluru continues to struggle with mounting waste management challenges — from poor segregation and collection systems to limited processing infrastructure. The BBMP says the revenue will support waste collection, disposal, and recycling services. However, residents have insisted that any additional cost must directly lead to improved sanitation and cleanliness across the city.

Calls for transparency and accountability have grown, with some residents even hinting at the possibility of public protests if their concerns are not addressed. Many are demanding detailed disclosures on how the collected fees will be used and clear timelines for service improvements.

As the city grows and urban pressures increase, the BBMP now faces the task of balancing revenue generation with civic trust. While the SWM fee was introduced with the goal of sustainable waste management, the lack of public communication has turned it into a case study in governance missteps — highlighting the urgent need for better policy communication and resident engagement.