Mumbai: In the past 11 months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has penalized approximately 1.4 lakh citizens for violating cleanliness norms, collecting fines totaling Rs 4.5 crore, according to Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. She emphasized that stricter measures would be implemented to maintain public hygiene across the city.
Dr. Joshi has directed officials to enhance the effectiveness of clean-up marshals and warned that negligence in maintaining cleanliness will not be tolerated.
As per the data shared by Dr. Joshi, while significant fines have been collected, further enforcement efforts are necessary to improve compliance. A review found that several areas had fewer clean-up marshals deployed than the mandated 30 per ward. Expressing dissatisfaction over the lax implementation, Dr. Joshi ordered strict action against non-compliant agencies. Consequently, agencies in the F-South, R-Central, and R-South divisions have been fined Rs 31.34 lakh, Rs16.03 lakh, and Rs12.70 lakh, respectively.
The BMC is also intensifying its crackdown on public nuisance offenders to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Mumbai. Authorities are taking strict action against individuals and businesses failing to segregate waste, burning garbage in open spaces, disposing of tree leaves and branches irresponsibly, or mishandling biomedical waste.
Dr. Joshi reiterated that all 12 clean-up marshal agencies must ensure full deployment of personnel and intensify enforcement against violators. Complaints against underperforming agencies will be dealt with strictly. With this renewed drive, the BMC aims to curb public nuisances, enhance cleanliness, and promote a healthier urban environment across Mumbai.
What is the Role of the Cleanup Marshal?
A "cleanup marshal" in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is an official designated to uphold public hygiene regulations by penalizing those who litter, spit, defecate, or violate sanitation laws in public areas. Acting as "litter cops," they help maintain cleanliness in Mumbai by issuing fines to offenders as per BMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) bylaws.