In recent developments, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed significant changes to Mumbai’s waste management system. The BMC plans to introduce a user fee for waste collection, aiming to generate approximately ₹687 crore annually from residential properties. The proposed fee structure is as follows:
Residential Units:
- Up to 50 sq. meters: ₹100 per month
- 50 to 300 sq. meters: ₹500 per month
- Above 300 sq. meters: ₹1,000 per month
Commercial Establishments:
- Starting at a minimum of ₹500 per month
These charges are intended to cover the costs of solid waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal services. The BMC’s solid waste management department has an annual budget of ₹4,878 crore, with ₹3,141 spent per capita on waste management, which is higher compared to other major cities.
Additionally, the BMC proposes increasing fines for public cleanliness violations. For instance, the penalty for spitting in public could rise from ₹200 to ₹500. Other offenses, such as littering, urinating, and defecating in public, not segregating waste, dumping debris without permission, hawking without a waste bin, and not maintaining house gullies, would also attract higher fines under the revised bye-laws.
These initiatives are part of the BMC’s efforts to improve waste management services, adopt modern technology, and enhance overall efficiency. However, the proposed user fee has faced opposition from various political leaders, who argue that waste management is the BMC’s responsibility and that citizens should not bear additional financial burdens. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of elected representatives in the corporation and the potential misuse of funds.
The BMC is currently seeking legal advice before proceeding with these changes. Once approved, consultations with stakeholders will be held to gather feedback and address concerns. The revised bye-laws will align with national and state regulations, including rules for managing e-waste, biomedical waste, plastic waste, and construction and demolition debris.
Sources
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