Mumbai: In a strong push to make Mumbai cleaner and more disciplined, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has tightened enforcement of solid waste management rules and announced strict fines for citizens and establishments violating cleanliness norms. The civic body has made it clear that ignorance of rules will no longer be accepted as an excuse.
As part of this renewed cleanliness drive, the BMC is spreading awareness about waste handling rules that apply to households, shops, offices, industries, institutions and public spaces. These rules cover how waste should be stored, separated, transported and disposed of, with special focus on stopping littering and improving sanitation across the city.
Under the latest enforcement measures, spitting in public places will attract a fine of ₹250. Dumping garbage on roads or open spaces will cost violators ₹500. Citizens who fail to separate wet and dry waste at source will be fined ₹200, while transporting garbage without a valid municipal licence will invite a steep penalty of ₹25,000.
The civic administration has stated that action is being taken daily across municipal limits as per the directions of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Senior officials overseeing solid waste management have said that these measures are aimed at changing public behaviour and ensuring long-term cleanliness rather than just penalising offenders.
The rules apply widely — from residential societies and commercial establishments to schools, colleges, religious places, government offices, parks and other public areas. The corporation has warned that both individuals and organisations will be held responsible for violations within their premises.
Additional penalties have also been specified. Throwing waste on footpaths, gardens or public places will result in a ₹500 fine. Bathing in public areas will attract a fine of ₹300. Urinating or defecating in open public spaces will each carry a ₹500 penalty. Feeding animals or birds in public places has also been banned, with violators facing a ₹500 fine.
Property owners who fail to keep their courtyards, buildings or surrounding areas clean may face fines ranging between ₹500 and ₹1,500, depending on the severity of the violation.
The solid waste rules also include clear guidelines for handling special waste such as biomedical waste, electronic waste, plastic waste and construction debris.
