Mumbai: From April 1, burning garbage or waste in the open will attract a fine of Rs 1,000 instead of Rs 100, the BMC announced on Friday. The 10-fold rise in penalty aims to curb air pollution and environmental and health risks due to burning of garbage as well as to create awareness among Mumbaikars.
“It was observed that citizens were not serious about not burning garbage in the open as the fine amount was low. Therefore, the civic administration decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on the spot if anyone is found burning waste in the open,” said Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner (Solid Waste Management). Between Nov 4, 2023, and Feb 2025, 531 cases of open garbage/waste burning were reported in the city and nearly Rs 2 lakh collected in fines, said officials.
To ensure strict enforcement, teams will be formed at the ward level to monitor and prevent open waste burning as well as create awareness about environmental conservation among citizens. The teams will include junior supervisors from the solid waste management department, nuisance detectors, and mukadams. The BMC will also focus on creating awareness about cleanliness.
The Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws, 2006 relating to the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste was formulated under Section 462 (EE) of the amended Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888.
According to the BMC, burning of waste in the open releases toxic gases, particulate matter, etc, which results in the deterioration of air quality and increase in respiratory diseases. The nominal Rs 100 fine amount made enforcement ineffective, and it was observed that dry leaves and mixed waste and other materials were burnt in many areas, especially on open plots, construction sites and roadside areas.
“The idea of increasing fines is to send a message across to people to not commit a particular offence…,” said activist Anil Galgali. “But I feel even the Rs 1,000 fine is not a big amount for this city. There is a need for strict enforcement.”
Meanwhile, Thane city recorded a near double rise in instances of fires triggered in unattended garbage lying on roadsides in the initial weeks of March compared to Jan, official data showed. While 39 cases of garbage fires were reported in the entire month of Jan, there were 73 cases in just the first three weeks of March. The Thane regional disaster management cell also received over 45 cases of garbage fires in the same period, which officials admitted was comparatively higher than usual.
(Inputs by Manoj Badgeri)