BBMP Supervisor, Ward 45, Upper Malleswaram

Fourteen Years of Service

I have been working in this ward for the last 14 years as a supervisor. Before this, I worked as a field worker and courier delivery boy, but when an opportunity arose for a supervisor position in Upper Malleswaram, I decided to make the change. They were looking for educated workers, so I approached them and was selected for the role. I've been serving as a supervisor ever since, commuting daily from my home in Central Bangalore on my two-wheeler.

The Challenge of Shrinking Manpower

Over these years, I've witnessed significant changes in our work environment. The most challenging issue we face today is the reduction in manpower. Earlier, we had more workers, but now, when people retire or pass away, they're not providing replacements. The administration isn't willing to hire new workers, partly because they don't want to pay adequate wages, and partly because new workers often demand permanent positions immediately, which they're reluctant to provide. Instead, they distribute extra work among existing staff, giving us one or two additional roads to cover. We used to have 40 members in our team, and now we have 30, but we continue to manage effectively.

Our duty runs from 6 AM to 2 PM—an eight-hour shift with no overtime. Despite having fewer workers, the amount of work remains the same, so we have no choice but to request support from each other and manage as a team. When workers take leave, we double up on responsibilities and help each other manage the workload.

Improvements in Waste Management

However, I must say that in many ways, things have improved significantly compared to earlier times. The waste management system is much better now. Previously, loads of waste would be dumped at allocated points and loaded into autos. Now, we guide residents to hold their waste at home, and we collect it daily, which is far more efficient. Segregation has become compulsory—without proper segregation, the auto drivers won't pick up the waste. If it's not segregated, it gets thrown on the road, but segregated waste goes directly into the auto.

I remember when we used to arrive at 4:30-5:00 AM and find waste dumped everywhere. We spoke to the public about this issue and managed to bring about changes. Now, it's not such a significant problem. People generally treat us well—they respond to us the way we speak to them. If we give respect, they give it back.

Why Malleswaram Stands Out

Malleswaram stands out compared to other areas I've observed. The beautification work here has been excellent. There's no place better than this. When I compare it with neighboring areas like Gandhinagar or RR Nagar, this place is superior. The reason for this is that work actually gets done here. It's not just BBMP work, but every other type of development too—road construction, electricity poles, planting greenery along roads, beautification projects. Everything gets completed here, unlike in other areas.

The Need for Public Responsibility

That said, I believe the public needs to change as well. The waste we see scattered on the roads can be avoided. The residents are educated and should guide their domestic help, who might not be as informed. They should ensure proper waste disposal—depositing waste correctly, giving it to the auto driver, segregating it properly, and keeping it until the auto arrives. Since they pay their domestic help, they should also question where the waste is being disposed of. When one person throws waste carelessly, others see this and follow suit, creating a larger problem.

We do face some challenges with space for waste transfer in the ward. The roads are narrow, so we have to use the slightly wider spaces available, which creates some difficulties.

Pride in Public Service

People sometimes wonder about the social perception of garbage collection work, but I don't see myself as anything different or feel diminished by it. I view this as social work. If I felt otherwise, I wouldn't have worked here for 14 years. My friends and family are proud of what they do, and I'm proud of what I do. This attitude is common among my colleagues—that's why many of us have been working here for so many years. If we felt ashamed, we would have quit after the first day.

Finding Satisfaction in Fieldwork

What I find satisfying about this work is that it's fieldwork. We're not required to sit in one place and work within four walls. It's more open to the public, with freedom to move around. I get satisfaction seeing that the work is getting done properly. Unlike office workers who often get bored and change jobs, we find contentment in this work. There's no boredom, no isolation—we work alongside others in the community.

The work environment is pleasant with no excessive pressure. If we miss a road one day, it's not treated as a major issue. Of course, there's pressure if we don't work properly, and naturally, when there are fewer workers, the pressure increases. But we manage smoothly somehow. The people here are supportive. Every Saturday, some residents bring buns for us. We don't question why they're helping us—we simply appreciate their gesture and let them support us.

Life Beyond Work

Beyond work, I enjoy spending time in various parts of Malleswaram with my family. Temple Road is a favorite of mine. We visit Gangamma Temple, the nearby Narasimha Swamy Temple, and temples opposite Dakshina Mukha, including Kadumalleshwara. My daughter, who is six years old, goes to school here in the area, while my one-year-old son stays at home with my wife, who is a housewife.

This work has given me not just employment but a sense of purpose and community connection that I value deeply. Looking back over these 14 years, I can say I've had only good experiences.