Complexity of Last Mile Networks and Ethics of Smart City Interventions: A Case of Solid Waste Management Intervention in Karnataka

Our study delves into potential ethical considerations that emerge within the last-mile service delivery system associated with a solid waste management intervention proposed under smart cities mission in the state of Karnataka, India. We draw upon semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive review of relevant project documents. We adopt a complexity lens to foreground the potential ethical concerns associated with this intervention. Our findings point to the need for smart city interventions to acknowledge the role of existing informal interactions between various actors, and their adaptive capabilities, in fulfilling civic service delivery at the last mile. Such interactions play a crucial role in facilitating a seamless and resilient service delivery process. While some of the interactions are simple and predictable, others are extremely context-specific and difficult to predict.