After being fined ₹25,000 by BBMP officials in October 2023 for violating waste management rules, the residents of Prestige Bagamane Temple Bells a 13-acre apartment complex in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, home to nearly 900 families embarked on a transformative journey.
Led by Santosh Kumar, president of the owner association and supported by secretary Achal Venkatesh, the community adopted the “3M” Model (Measuring, Monitoring, Managing) with guidance from the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT) and experts like Vasuki Iyengar.
Today, they compost all 15 tonnes of monthly wet waste on-site, sell their “PBTB’s Black Gold” compost, and run sustainability workshops for all ages, turning a penalty into a model of urban environmental stewardship.
“We Didn’t Want to Just Pay the Fine and Forget It”
When the BBMP imposed a ₹25,000 fine on Prestige Bagamane Temple Bells for improper waste segregation and unauthorized disposal methods, it was a wake-up call for the community. Instead of viewing this as a setback, President Santosh Kumar saw it as an opportunity for transformation. “We didn’t want to just pay the fine and forget it,” he recalls. “We wanted to turn this around and set an example for others.”
Under Kumar’s leadership, the community embarked on a journey to compost all wet waste on-site. The initiative began with a visit to the Kasa Kalika Kendra at HSR Layout, which inspired the team to believe in the feasibility of composting wet waste. “Seeing is believing,” says Kumar. “That visit made us believe that it’s truly possible to convert our wet waste to manure.”
The Compost Revolution Started at Home
Spanning 13 acres and housing approximately 900 families, the complex generates about 15 tonnes of wet waste monthly. To tackle this, the community adopted a “3M” model: Measure, Monitor, Manage. Residents and housekeeping staff were trained by experts from the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT) in composting techniques.
Housekeeping staff were instructed not to collect unsegregated waste and to report non-compliance, ensuring accountability and encouraging responsibility among residents.
This approach not only addressed the immediate waste management issue but also fostered a sense of community responsibility and environmental stewardship. “Now, every bit of wet waste stays within the premises and returns to the soil,” says Kumar.
From Fine to Force for Change: Founders Lead a Green Revolution
The October 2023 fine was a pivotal moment for Prestige Bagamane Temple Bells. Rather than contesting the penalty, association president Santosh Kumar a director at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and secretary Achal Venkatesh saw it as a call to action.
“We set an ambitious goal: to compost all wet waste on-site within our premises. This journey wasn’t easy, but the determination of our association members, residents, and housekeeping staff turned this vision into reality,” Kumar reflected.
The association partnered with SWMRT, with mentors like Vasuki Iyengar, Dr. Shanti, and Shoba, who provided hands-on training to both residents and staff. Housekeeping staff were empowered to refuse unsegregated waste and report non-compliance, ensuring accountability and fostering a culture of responsibility.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Prestige Bagamane Temple Bells’ journey from regulatory penalty to environmental leadership is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, expert guidance, and community spirit. Founders like Santosh Kumar and Achal Venkatesh, supported by SWMRT mentors, have shown that ordinary citizens can become changemakers, driving sustainable progress in urban India.
Their story proves that with empathy, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, communities can turn challenges into opportunities for positive change. How can your community follow in their footsteps and become changemakers for a cleaner, greener India?
