Here is a piece of good news for those who are yet to comply with Solid Waste Management Rules. Though the state government has framed by-laws for disposal of waste, keeping the maximum penalty at Rs 15,000, the Mumbaikars have been spared of the hefty fines. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is imposing fines based on its own bylaws made in the year 2000. The civic body is also framing a draft of solid waste management by-laws to tackle violators who are unable to manage and segregate waste.
"The BMC is framing a draft of solid waste management by-laws to tackle defaulters who failed to comply with Solid Waste Management Rules. Moreover, we have our own by-laws — Solid Waste Management By-Law 2000. We are taking action on defaulters based on the provisions of section 368 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act," said Vishwas Shankarwar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Solid Waste Management department. The by-laws will not only emphasis on penalties or fines but will frame rules for the management of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
On December 19, the state government had framed the by-laws prescribing penalties for violations and had sought suggestions from the civic bodies on the same. As per the state government's by-laws, first-time offenders will be fined Rs 60 for non-segregation of waste, and will increase up to Rs 180 for fourth-time offenders. Bulk generators, who generate more than 100 kg of waste per day, have to pay Rs 5000 for the first time. The penalty, however, increases to Rs 15,000 for repeat offense. As per these by-laws, the civic bodies can charge Rs 90 as monthly user fee from offices and commercial properties.
However, many Municipal Corporations have objected to its clauses. "The situation in each civic body varies, so the user charges and penalty has to be fixed as per the financial situation of the area," said an officer with the BMC, adding, "The BMC doesn't want to take monthly user fee for solid waste management as of now. The commissioner has stated that the corporation has enough funds. Though, that might not be the case with the other corporations."
STATE BY-LAWS
- Residential properties have to pay Rs 60 per month user charge for of waste collection from home
- It has imposed user charge of Rs 90 for commercial properties
- BMC would not charge user fee for solid waste management as of now
