BMC steps up 'Mumbai Clean League' drive; Commissioner Ashwini Bhide orders stricter monitoring

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has intensified its citywide cleanliness campaign under the Mumbai Clean League with Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directing officials to ensure that sanitation efforts are both effective and visibly reflected across public spacesFocus on visible improvements in public spacesDuring a surprise early morning inspection in the western suburbs Bhide emphasised that cleanliness should not only be maintained but also clearly noticeable to citizens She instructed wardlevel officials to improve coordination within departments and with other civic and infrastructure agenciesSpecial attention has been directed towards maintaining cleanliness along major roads highways dividers and adjoining areas Officials were also asked to ensure the prompt removal of construction debris from open spaces which continues to be a recurring concern in several parts of the citySurprise inspections across key suburban locationsThe inspection covered multiple areas including Bandra Andheri and Marol where the commissioner reviewed sanitation conditions at checkpoints metro station surroundings parking zones and public spaces such as Savitribai Phule GardenBhide also examined attendance records of sanitation workers and assessed the availability and deployment of mechanised cleaning equipment The review aimed to evaluate both workforce efficiency and the use of modern sanitation tools on the groundDaily monitoring and accountability measuresIn a bid to tighten oversight deputy municipal commissioners and assistant commissioners have been directed to conduct daily early morning inspections of solid waste management operations The focus will be on ensuring timely garbage collection removal of roadside waste and proper disposal practicesThe civic administration is also planning to expand participation from residential societies and commercial establishments under the Mumbai Clean League initiative Officials indicated that wardlevel performance particularly of assistant commissioners will be closely evaluated based on cleanliness indicators in their respective jurisdictionsPush for mechanisation and citizen participationBhide stressed the need for optimal use of modern cleaning machinery alongside trained manpower She also instructed sanitation teams to maintain cleanliness immediately after waste removal rather than allowing areas to deteriorate againThe administration is expected to step up public awareness campaigns to encourage citizen involvement Coordination with local elected representatives and community stakeholders is also being strengthened to improve participation at the grassroots levelWarning to contractors over lapsesTaking note of lapses at infrastructure project sites the commissioner warned that contractors failing to maintain cleanliness norms would face immediate action Notices will be issued to agencies that do not comply with civic guidelinesDedicated officers will also be appointed to monitor mechanised road cleaning particularly along critical stretches such as the Western Express Highway where consistent upkeep remains a challengeEarth Day marked with tree plantationMarking Earth Day Bhide planted a sapling at Savitribai Phule Garden in Andheri East underlining the civic bodys focus on environmental sustainability alongside sanitationThe BMC has reiterated that maintaining cleanliness in Mumbai requires sustained efforts from both the administration and the public with officials indicating that stricter monitoring and community participation will be key to improving outcomes