Teach cleanliness in schools: Mumbaikars share 700 suggestions on garbage bylaws

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration had sought suggestions and objections from Mumbaikars regarding the Solid Waste Management By-laws – 2025. Accordingly, the civic body has received 2,700 suggestions and objections from Mumbaikars in the entire month of May and the majority of citizens have made the above suggestions.

The BMC had sought suggestions and objections from Mumbaikars regarding the Solid Waste Management By-laws 2025 from May 1 to 31. The help of various local organisations was taken for this process. Accordingly, the BMC received as many as 2,700 suggestions and objections through various means, including WhatsApp chatbots, municipal emails, mail, social media posts, interviews with residents of the slum area, etc. 

The elite as well as slum and shanty residents, shopkeepers, sanitation workers, voluntary groups, environmentalists, etc. made many suggestions to the municipality regarding waste. Many supported the waste segregation process and highlighted the difficulties faced by citizens in this regard. They expressed displeasure over the shortage of garbage bins, delays in garbage disposal, and the closure of services at night. Also, many opposed the concept of the by-law as it was not clear to them.

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It has been suggested that the fines levied on citizens who violate cleanliness rules should be collected online. Meanwhile, about 66 percent of citizens expressed the opinion that 'first provide basic facilities and then collect fines'. While 52 percent of citizens expressed their belief that punitive action would improve citizen behavior. Also, regarding solid waste user fees, 49 percent of citizens supported charging fees based on the size and type of house. However, 43 percent of citizens expressed the opinion that this fee was unfair.

No response was received from citizens regarding construction and demolition waste, waste management during natural disasters, and biomedical waste management.