The Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched a strict drive against establishments failing to segregate wet and dry waste, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The civic body has begun imposing substantial fines, with a restaurant in Gaur Mall at Rajnagar District Centre becoming the first to be penalised.
First Fine Imposed, Stricter Penalties Approved
In a landmark action, the GMC has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on a restaurant operating in Gaur Mall. This is reportedly the first time the corporation has levied a financial penalty specifically for violations related to solid waste management. The move comes after the GMC's executive committee, in November, vetted and approved a proposal to impose heftier fines for non-compliance with the 2016 rules.
An official stated that the current fine is just the beginning. The approved framework includes provisions for escalating penalties for repeat offences. These can include an increase in the fine amount, cancellation of the trade licence, and even the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the violator.
Penalty Structure for Bulk Waste Generators and Residential Properties
The crackdown extends beyond standalone restaurants. The GMC has defined a clear penalty structure for different categories of violators.
For bulk waste generators, which include banquet halls, farmhouses, and hotels, the penalties are as follows:
- First offence: A fine of Rs 1,000.
- Second offence: A fine of Rs 5,000.
- Continued violation: The fine can be raised to a staggering Rs 5 lakh, accompanied by trade licence cancellation and an FIR under Section 269.
Residential property owners are also under scrutiny. The penalty scheme for them is:
- First violation: Fine of Rs 1,000.
- Second violation: Fine increased to Rs 5,000.
- Third violation: A fine of Rs 20,000, and the owner becomes ineligible for rebates on house tax, water, and sewer taxes for two years.
A Shift Towards Strict Enforcement
This initiative signals a major shift from advisory notices to concrete punitive action by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation. The enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandate segregation at source, has been a challenge across Indian cities. By implementing a graded and severe penalty system, the GMC aims to compel compliance and improve the city's waste management ecosystem.
The action against the restaurant in Rajnagar serves as a clear warning to all commercial and residential entities in Ghaziabad. The corporation is now actively monitoring compliance, and further fines are expected as the drive intensifies. The move is part of a broader effort to tackle urban waste management challenges systematically and hold waste generators accountable for their role in the process.
