The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to stop deploying clean-up marshals from April 5. These marshals were responsible for fining people for spitting, littering, and urinating in public places. This move has raised concerns about maintaining cleanliness in the city.
Will people now be free to spit anywhere?
Even though clean-up marshals will no longer be on duty, the rules against public spitting, littering, and urination remain in place. Fines for these offences are still applicable. In Mumbai, spitting in public can lead to a fine of ₹150, while urinating in public attracts a penalty of ₹200.
Stronger punishments in the future?
To ensure cleanliness, the government has been considering stricter actions. One proposal suggests that people caught spitting in public may be asked to do community service, such as cleaning government offices or hospitals. This is meant to make offenders more responsible and discourage repeat violations.
Existing laws on public cleanliness
Several laws help keep public spaces clean:
- Indian penal code (IPC): Sections 268 and 290 treat public nuisances, like spitting, as punishable offences.
- Disaster management act, 2005: During health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, spitting in public was strictly penalised.
What can citizens do?
Now that there will be no clean-up marshals, it is up to the people to follow hygiene rules and keep their surroundings clean. Public awareness and self-discipline are the best ways to ensure that Mumbai remains a clean and healthy city.
