Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Sitaram Kunte has extended the contract period after cleaning contractors refused to clear the garbage, citing the end of their contract period. The move comes close on the heels of complaints raised by several residents, especially those from Mulund, Bhandup and Ghatkopar, that the piling garbage, together with pre-monsoon showers, posed risks to their health.
The standing committee of the BMC had rejected the proposal to renew the garbage collectors’ contracts on the grounds that they were found wanting in the quality of their services.
Meanwhile, in order to discourage public from using plastic bags, the civic body has banned the entry of plastic bags on its premises in all 24 civic ward offices as well as its headquarters from June 18 onwards. Currently, there is a ban on plastic bags of less than 50 microns that came into effect after the 2005 deluge.
The BMC plans to form a squad and start a special drive against plastic carry bags of less than 50 microns. The drive started from June 18 and will extend until July 17. The squad will comprise 10 inspectors from the shops and establishment department. Shopkeepers and manufacturers found with banned plastic bags will be slapped with a fine of र5,000. Repeat offenders will be fined र10,000 and in case of repeat offences by retailers, the fine would be र25,000.