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breaking the law: A volunteer Clean-Up marshal catches youngsters smoking in public areas on Hill Road, Bandra, yesterday

Just days after MiD DAY reported that BMC had not fined a single person since the smoking ban in public places came into effect, the civic body has decided to act tough. The BMC plans to rope in Clean-Up marshals to fine people caught smoking in public.

After their success in collecting fines from people for dirtying the city, the BMC will authorise clean up marshals to penalise those guilty of violating the smoking ban. "We will issue a circular to all security agencies, informing them about the development. Within a week, they would be able to fine people for smoking in public places," said Ahmed Karim, chief engineer, solid waste management.

"We are happy to be of help to the BMC in improving the city," said Wing Commander I K Julka, CEO of Mumbai Cleanup Abhiyan. However, according to security agencies associated with the Cleanup Mumbai drive, the BMC needs to make amendment in existing laws.

"They must include the right to fine people caught smoking in public places in the bylaws. We cannot fine people unless these changes are made," added Julka. "We have been asked to penalise people violating the smoking ban, but we are waiting for an official confirmation," said a clean up marshal. 

According to the BMC records, the civic body has not fined any person for smoking in public places since the ban came into effect on October 2.