In a strict move to curb pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has increased the penalty for burning of waste in the open in Mumbai. The fine has been raised from Rs 100 to 1,000 and will be implemented from April 1, 2025.
BMC Deputy Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar stated that burning waste in the open causes air pollution, harms the environment, and leads to serious health hazards. To create awareness and deter people from this practice, the civic body has decided to increase the fine tenfold.
To ensure the implementation of this rule, the BMC has formed dedicated teams in every ward to monitor and prevent open garbage burning. Each team will consist of three members — a junior supervisor from the solid waste management department, a nuisance detector staff member, and a constable.
Efforts to Control Pollution
Open burning of waste is observed routinely in many places in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, forcing the municipal administration to continuously act against such burning as it releases toxic gases and particulate matter in the open, deteriorating air quality and increasing respiratory diseases in people. Until now, violators were fined only Rs 100, but officials observed that people were not taking the rule seriously due to the nominal penalty. Hence, the BMC has decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on the spot if anyone is found burning waste in the open.
