Mumbai's BMC Introduces Revised Sanitation Bylaws with Stricter Penalties
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing urban cleanliness by issuing revised sanitation bylaws on Monday. These new regulations introduce a comprehensive schedule of fines and penalties for various civic offenses, aiming to curb unsanitary practices across the city.
New Fines for Common Offenses
Under the revised Solid Waste (Management and Handling), Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws 2025, which were officially released on February 2, individuals failing to adhere to sanitation rules will face immediate penalties. Key offenses include:
- Spitting in public places: A fine of ₹250
- Littering: A penalty of ₹500
- Feeding animals or birds at public places: ₹500 fine
- Washing utensils, clothes, or other items in public: ₹300 penalty
These measures are part of a broader effort to promote hygiene and discourage behaviors that contribute to urban pollution.
Expanded Scope of Penalties
The civic body has not limited its focus to spitting and littering alone. The new bylaws encompass a wide range of violations, with fines ranging from ₹200 to ₹25,000. According to BMC commissioner-cum-administrator Bhushan Gagrani, this initiative is designed to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure effective solid waste management, as reported by PTI.
The regulations align with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. BMC's press release outlines that these guidelines establish detailed protocols for waste generation, segregation, storage, collection, transportation, and processing across residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public premises in Mumbai and its suburbs.
Detailed List of Applicable Fines
To provide clarity and transparency, BMC has released a comprehensive list of fines for various civic offenses:
- Spitting in public places - ₹250
- Urination in public places - ₹500
- Defecation in public places - ₹500
- Open bathing in public places - ₹300
- Disposal of garbage on roads, lanes, footpaths, gardens, or other public places - ₹500
- Failure to segregate bulk wet and dry waste (households) - ₹200
- Non-segregation of wet and dry waste (vendors) - ₹750
- Failure to segregate bulk wet and dry waste - ₹1,000
- Food outlet without garbage bin - ₹750
- Improper disposal of fish, poultry, and meat waste - ₹750
- Dumping debris at unauthorized locations - ₹20,000
- Burning commercial waste - ₹10,000
- Improper disposal of garden waste - ₹200
- Transportation of construction and demolition waste without permit - ₹25,000
- Keeping one's premises dirty - ₹500
- Keeping large premises dirty - ₹1,500
- Improper disposal of garden waste and tree trimming - ₹200
- Pet animals soiling public places - ₹1,000
Objectives and Implementation
The new bylaws clearly define the responsibilities of waste generators, service providers, contractors, and the civic administration. By warning of penal action against civic offenses, BMC aims to foster a culture of compliance and accountability. This move is expected to significantly improve Mumbai's waste management infrastructure and contribute to a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
Residents and businesses are urged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid penalties and support the city's sanitation efforts. The implementation of these bylaws marks a proactive approach by BMC to address long-standing issues related to public hygiene and waste disposal.
