In a bid to enhance civic hygiene standards, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reintroduced clean-up marshals to the streets of Mumbai after a two-year hiatus.
On their inaugural day, which fell on Wednesday, April 3, these marshals wasted no time in enforcing cleanliness regulations, managing to levy fines totalling INR 2,800 from 15 individuals for various violations in South Mumbai (SoBo). The BMC’s initiative involves deploying clean-up marshals, designated officers entrusted with the task of penalising individuals found flouting hygiene norms in public spaces. These marshals, equipped with digital tools, are empowered to issue fines through a dedicated mobile application, marking a departure from the traditional method of issuing handwritten receipts. Under the revamped system, fines of INR 200 are imposed on offenders caught littering, spitting, or urinating in public areas, while a fine of INR 100 is levied on those found defecating in the open. Notably, the fines have been standardised to ensure consistency and fairness in enforcement, addressing past grievances where individuals reported arbitrary and inflated penalties.
To enhance transparency and accountability, the BMC has introduced a digital app that generates receipts for fines directly, eliminating the potential for discrepancies in fine amounts. Additionally, clean-up marshals are equipped with portable printers to provide physical receipts on the spot, further bolstering the integrity of the fine collection process. The resurgence of clean-up marshals marks a renewed commitment by the BMC to combat littering and promote cleanliness across the city. By leveraging technology and implementing standardised fines, the BMC aims to instil a culture of responsibility and civic pride among residents, ensuring cleaner and healthier public spaces for all Mumbaikars.
