Pune: Over 24,000 Citizens Penalized in 4 Months for Uncleanliness

Pune, 2nd January 2024: In an effort to combat the rising issue of uncleanliness in public places, the Solid Waste Management Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken stringent action against citizens violating cleanliness norms. Despite widespread instructions posted across the city, the menace of littering, spitting, and burning garbage in open spaces continues to persist.

Over the last four months, the municipal administration has penalized more than 24,000 individuals, collecting fines totaling an impressive amount. The initiative aims to instill a sense of responsibility among citizens and promote the concept of “Your City, Clean City.”

As part of the larger goal to elevate Pune’s ranking in the Swachch Sarvekshan, the Municipal Corporation’s Solid Waste Management Department recently undertook a study tour of Indore, the cleanest city in the country. Implementing key measures learned during the tour, the authorities seek to create a cleaner and more disciplined environment in Pune.

However, challenges arise from the continuous influx of migrants into Pune, leading to a growing population and potential strain on the city’s cleanliness efforts. Some residents express concerns that newcomers lack a sense of belonging to the city, contributing to the cleanliness issues. The Municipal Corporation, through punitive actions, aims to bridge this gap and make citizens aware of their responsibilities.

In the past year, the Solid Waste Management Department has recovered a significant amount—Rs. 1 crore 66 lakh 37 thousand 721—by penalizing 37,152 individuals. The punitive measures are in accordance with sanitation bye-laws designed to maintain cleanliness in public places. Acts such as spitting, burning garbage, urinating in public spaces, and other unhygienic practices result in fines ranging from Rs. 180 to Rs. 5,000.

A breakdown of the fines collected in 2023 reveals the extent of the violations:

– Spitting in public places: Rs. 12 lakh 48 thousand from 1,248 people
– Urinating in public places: Rs. 1 lakh 81 thousand 670 from 858 people
– Obstructing construction: Rs. 14 lakh 65 thousand 650 from 298 people
– Plastic use violations: Rs. 27 lakh 11 thousand from 548 people
– Open burning of garbage: Rs. 7 lakh 9 thousand 100 from 1,263 people
– Non-segregation of waste: Rs. 4 lakh 3 thousand from 2,064 persons
– Refusing to provide clean household waste: Rs. 12,940 from 381 people
– Unsanitary practices in public places: Rs. 95 lakh 65 thousand from 30,129 persons
– Closure of bulk waste generator waste treatment plant: Rs. 2 lakh 75 thousand from 53 persons

Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, Sandeep Kadam, emphasizes the ongoing efforts to monitor waste collection and promote responsible waste disposal. The objective is to keep the city clean and disciplined.

Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Nagrik Manch, highlights the importance of citizen cooperation and facilities to change mentalities positively. He points out the need for timely garbage collection services and urges citizens to play their part in supporting the administration’s cleanliness initiatives.