New Bharat TV
Mumbai: The BMC is again reviewing its solid waste bylaws to align them with the Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules, which require levying user charges for waste management in the city. The updated bylaws will also empower the civic body to collect fine from bulk waste producers who fail to segregate and process waste at their premises. The proposal was first introduced in the civic budget two years ago.
The central government has authorized municipal bodies to levy 'user charges' on residents under the SWM Rules 2016 to enhance waste management services. Waste generators will have to pay such user charges for SWM as specified in the bye-laws of the local bodies.
The purpose of this fee is to support improvements in waste collection, recycling and disposal, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable waste management system for the city. This will also help the municipal body generate additional revenue.
“Cities like Pune, Chennai and Delhi already charge user fees for waste management services from citizens. The BMC has not yet decided the exact amount, but it will be around Rs 100 for residential units up to 500 sq ft. is considering, and for larger properties, between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. This fee will be added to the property tax bill and will help improve garbage collection, recycling and disposal in the city. ” said an official of the SWM department.
Housing societies and commercial establishments larger than 20,000 square metres, or those that generate more than 100 kg of wet waste (called bulk generators) are required to segregate and compost the waste on-site. However, less than 50% of societies comply with these civic rules, and the BMC is facing challenges in getting many bulk generators to treat waste at source.
The bylaws allowing BMC to collect fine from violators will be amended. A presentation on this matter is to be given in front of Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Monday. Thereafter, the proposal will be open for public suggestions and objections before any formal implementation.
Former senior corporator and BJP leader Ravi Raja said, “Why is such an important decision taken when there are no elected representatives in the corporation? And what is the guarantee that it will be used judicially for the purpose. Over the years we all Have seen how garbage gets created.” The storage and disposal in the dumping ground is not managed properly.”
The city generates 6,300 to 6,500 metric tons of garbage every day. As per SWM Rules, 2016, the civic body is required to achieve waste management at source.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings