Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking strict measures to combat pollution in the city. The civic body has announced that people should avoid littering in public places, burning waste in the open, washing vehicles or clothes on roads, urinating or defecating in public, and dumping debris illegally. To enforce these rules, BMC is planning to increase fines from two to ten times the current amount, or even higher in certain cases.
A draft proposal has been prepared, and the BMC has invited suggestions and objections from the public. According to a senior BMC official, public hearings will be held in the first week of June to review the feedback. If necessary, amendments will be made before finalizing the draft. The entire process is expected to take a month, and the new sanitation law could be implemented by July 2025.
“We have sought suggestions and objections from the public regarding the draft. Citizens can submit their opinions within two months. We urge people to participate actively and share their inputs.”
— Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Commissioner, BMC
Proposed Fine Structure
To curb public littering and pollution, BMC has outlined new penalties for various violations. Below is a comparison of previous and proposed fines:
- Littering in public places: ₹200 → ₹500
- Spitting in public: ₹200 → ₹250
- Bathing in public: ₹100 → ₹300
- Urinating in public: ₹200 → ₹500
- Defecating in public: ₹100 → ₹500
- Feeding animals/birds in public: ₹500 → ₹500 (unchanged)
- Washing utensils/clothes in public: ₹200 → ₹300
- Washing vehicles on the street: ₹0 → ₹500
- Dumping construction debris: ₹20,000 → ₹20,000 – ₹25,000
- Burning waste on commercial properties: ₹100 → ₹10,000
Additionally, BMC has expanded the list of punishable offenses under the new draft policy.
With these strict regulations, BMC aims to enhance cleanliness and curb pollution in Mumbai, ensuring a healthier environment for all residents.
