Bengaluru: Throwing garbage on Bengaluru's roads, drains, or vacant lots will now cost you Rs 2,000 -- every time. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Company Limited (BSWML) has tightened its enforcement, introducing a flat penalty for anyone caught dumping waste in public spaces, regardless of whether it's a first-time or repeat offence.Until now, fines were imposed in a staggered manner -- Rs 500 for first offence, Rs 1,000 for the second, and Rs 2,000 for the third. But officials said that this leniency was being misused by habitual offenders. "From now, a uniform penalty of Rs 2,000 will be levied on all defaulters. Our message is clear: waste must be segregated into wet and dry streams and handed over only to BBMP auto-tippers instead of being dumped on roads and drains," said BSWML chief executive officer Kari Gowda.To enforce the new system, the city is banking on marshals and junior health inspectors. Gowda said surveillance and penalties will now be stricter. "We have increased the number of marshals across the city and instructed them to remain vigilant. In the initial phase, our priority is to penalise regular offenders who repeatedly dirty public spaces," he said.The enforcement drive, however, has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, over 40 marshals resigned due to poor pay and long working hours. They were earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 a month, which officials admitted was insufficient given the demanding nature of their work. The situation has since improved, with salaries being raised to Rs 30,000. At present, Bengaluru has a team of 200 marshals and 200 junior health inspectors tasked with monitoring violations. A senior BSWML official said each marshal has now been given a daily target of penalising at least 10 defaulters, ensuring sustained pressure on those who flout the rules.Grievance redressal systemThe civic body has also attempted to strengthen its grievance redressal system. A 24x7 digital platform has been rolled out, enabling residents to file complaints about garbage dumping through WhatsApp at 9448197197, via the toll-free number 1533, or through the Sahaaya app. Officials claimed that this mechanism ensures faster response and resolution.BSWML said waste collection has become more efficient too. Auto-tippers are scanned daily between 5.30 am and 6.30 am to monitor attendance and coverage. According to data shared by the agency, in Aug, 1,483 complaints about blackspots were recorded, of which 1,464 were resolved. In Sept, 515 complaints were received, with 423 cleared so far.Fight against plastic Meanwhile, action against plastic use has intensified. Twenty-seven enforcement teams, led by assistant general managers, have been deployed to crack down on manufacturers and wholesalers dealing in banned plastic. "So far, 49.1 tonnes of banned plastic have been seized, 24.6 tonnes processed, and fines worth Rs 38.1 lakh collected," a senior official said, adding that the civic body was determined to make Bengaluru cleaner and more sustainable.