The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is strengthening its Nuisance Detection (ND) squad following the termination of the Clean-up Marshal program on April 5. The ND squad will now handle public sanitation enforcement, as 97 out of 118 positions remain vacant. The recruitment process will begin soon.
Previously, each civic ward had five to six ND squad members responsible for maintaining cleanliness. They took action against spitting, littering, and open defecation.
In 2007, the clean-up marshal program replaced the squad. Over time, many positions remained unfilled as employees retired. The clean-up marshal program was reintroduced multiple times but faced criticism.
Many complaints accused marshals of overcharging and extorting money. Due to these issues, the program was discontinued. Reports suggest that hiring will begin soon to fill the 97 vacant ND squad positions.
To further improve cleanliness, the BMC has proposed stricter waste management bylaws. It has increased the fine for spitting on roads, littering, bathing in public, urinating, etc. Public sanitation violations will also have higher penalties. Furthermore, the BMC has also introduced fines for improper waste disposal.
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