The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has levied fines totalling INR 1.55 crores on over 53,725 individuals for violations related to spitting, littering, and other public hygiene infractions. This enforcement surge follows the reinstatement of the clean-up marshal programme, which has notably impacted several wards across Mumbai.
The A ward, encompassing areas such as Churchgate, Colaba, and Navy Nagar, has emerged as the highest contributor to the fine collection. This is primarily due to the high influx of tourists at prominent sites like Marine Drive and the Gateway of India, coupled with the presence of major railway hubs including Churchgate and CSMT. To manage the considerable footfall, the BMC has deployed 112 marshals in this upscale ward, up from 94 in June.
According to BMC officials, a significant portion of the penalties has arisen from the clean premises mandate under the Swachh Angaan (Clean Premises) initiative. Additionally, a considerable number of fines have been imposed on bulk waste generators failing to segregate their refuse correctly. Data from the BMC reveals that of the INR 1,55,70,512 (1.55 crore) accumulated in penalties since April, A ward alone has accounted for INR 31.33 lakh from 15,550 offenders.
The second-highest fine collection was recorded in the R/Central ward (Borivali), where 3,613 individuals were fined a total of INR 14.04 lakh. The K/East ward (Andheri East) followed with INR 11.39 lakh in penalties, while the R/South ward (Kandivali) contributed INR 10.71 lakh from 2,655 violators. Conversely, the T ward (Mulund) reported the lowest fine revenue, with only 183 fines totalling INR 1.41 lakh. This ward also has the fewest marshals, alongside H/East ward, with both having just nine marshals.
Challenges have arisen in larger jurisdictions such as K/West (Andheri, Juhu, Versova) and P/North (Malad), which, despite their expansive areas and substantial populations, have not generated any fines. The issue has been attributed to a contractor’s withdrawal, highlighting gaps in enforcement in these critical zones.
