BMC to install CCTV cameras at garbage hotspots, crack down on littering after Bombay HC directions

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC will install CCTV cameras at all garbage vulnerable points GVPs across the city and initiate strict penal action against people found dumping waste in public places as part of a comprehensive cleanliness drive launched following recent directions from the Bombay High Court HCThe civic body will also intensify efforts to remove encroachments from footpaths take action against unauthorised constructions ease traffic bottlenecks and ensure prompt resolution of pothole complaints received through its Marg mobile applicationThe decisions were taken at a review meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide at the BMC headquarters on Saturday a day after the Bombay HC issued directions on solid waste managementThe civic body said the campaign aims to improve visible cleanliness across Mumbai by eliminating garbage vulnerable points permanently and preventing open dumping of waste Special attention will be given to markets arterial roads footpaths public places vacant plots beaches drains and other water bodiesAs part of the initiative all garbage vulnerable points will be brought under CCTV surveillance to deter littering and identify habitual offenders Assistant municipal commissioners have been directed to conduct regular inspections in their respective wards to ensure sustained cleanliness and effective implementation of the driveBhide also directed officials to immediately remove encroachments from footpaths around schools hospitals railway and metro stations bus depots and markets to improve pedestrian movement She instructed officials to initiate prompt action against unauthorised constructions and ensure that such structures are not regularised under any circumstancesBMC maps garbage hotspots steps up enforcement across MumbaiDepartments have also been asked to identify and resolve traffic bottlenecks on major roadsThe commissioner said the Solid Waste Management Department has identified recurring garbage hotspots across Mumbai and prepared wardwise digital maps of these locations using Google Maps Each hotspot will now undergo a structured assessment to identify the source and type of waste evaluate gaps in waste collection transportation manpower and equipment engage with residents market associations and commercial establishments undertake awareness and behavioural change campaigns and strengthen enforcement through CCTV surveillance and penal action against repeat offendersThe BMC said wardwise records photographic evidence digital mapping and regular reviews will be used to monitor the campaignIt also plans to strengthen interception systems to prevent plastic waste and solid garbage from entering drains creeks and the seaThe civic body noted that the HC had appreciated the significant improvement in odour control at the Kanjurmarg waste processing facility following measures implemented by the BMC and its contractor Bhide subsequently directed deputy municipal commissioners assistant commissioners and sanitation staff to focus on maintaining visible cleanliness and permanently eliminating garbage vulnerable points across the cityEmphasising the importance of pedestrian infrastructure Bhide said footpaths near schools hospitals transport hubs and markets should be cleared of encroachments unauthorised hawkers and improperly constructed ramps to make them safe and walkable She said nearly half of Mumbais residents rely on walking for their daily commute and improving footpaths would also help ease traffic congestion and reduce pollutionAshwini Bhide calls for swift action on potholes and illegal constructionsThe commissioner also directed officials to prioritise complaints received through the Marg app According to the BMC 96 per cent of pothole complaints received between June 10 and July 30 have already been resolved Officials have been instructed to ensure that every remaining complaint is addressed promptly without any laxityReiterating the courts observations on unauthorised constructions Bhide said such structures cannot be regularised merely because they have old occupancy property tax payments electricity connections or shop licences She directed civic officials to initiate immediate action against illegal constructionsAppealing for public participation Bhide said visible cleanliness is a shared responsibility of the civic body and citizens She urged residents housing societies market associations NGOs elected representatives and visitors to cooperate with the campaign and report instances of illegal garbage dumping to help create a cleaner healthier Mumbai