BMC Plans Fee For Garbage Collection

Mumbaikars may soon find themselves facing charges for garbage collection services from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as the civic body initiates administrative processes to amend existing bylaws. 

This move is part of a broader plan to establish an independent authority for solid waste management, with BMC administration tasked with collecting taxes to fund the initiative.

The proposed fee, expected to range from Rs. 1 to Rs. 5 for individuals, is currently under consideration. Garbage collection, traditionally a fundamental duty of the BMC under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888, has been a door-to-door service provided by BMC employees and contractors. The amendment aims to introduce a fee structure for this service.

To determine the amount of tax for garbage collection, the BMC is engaging with the Law Department, Tax Policy, and Collection. After approval by the BMC Commissioner, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback through objections and suggestions. The final decision will be influenced by the input received from the citizens.

The BMC is examining the practices of municipalities in Kalyan-Dombivli and Vasai-Virar, where special cleaning taxes are already imposed. A similar tax collection model is being proposed for Mumbai.

However, citizens are expressing concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed fee in addressing existing garbage collection issues. In 2022 alone, over 4,000 complaints about uncollected garbage were registered, with more than 35,000 complaints logged in the last decade. 

Questions also linger about whether the fee will be applicable only to housing societies and complexes.

The move to introduce fees for garbage collection is seen as a significant shift in the BMC's approach to waste management. While the plan aims to enhance solid waste management services, citizens are keenly observing the developments and expressing their reservations regarding the potential impact on the existing waste collection system and the fairness of the proposed fee structure. 

As the BMC proceeds with the amendment process, public sentiment and feedback will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final decision.