Kolkata: Starting September 1, civic bodies across West Bengal will impose fines for littering on roads in municipal areas, as per the existing municipal act. The state municipal affairs department will develop infrastructure, including installing waste bins at 100-metre intervals in all municipal areas over the next three months. Awareness drives will also be conducted to inform citizens about the new regulations.
Awareness Campaign and Infrastructure Build-Up
State municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul announced on Thursday that the government will undertake awareness campaigns and infrastructure build-up for three months. During this period, citizens will be requested not to throw waste on roads. After three months, from September 1 onward, fines will be imposed for littering.
Paul stated that dustbins will be installed across all municipal areas in the state within three months, placed every 100 metres. After this period, any form of littering, including spitting on roads, will be prohibited, and fines will be levied as per the municipal Act. The minister also mentioned that the department will restart waste segregation initiatives at the household level.
Launch of 'Swachha' Mobile Application
Paul announced the launch of a geo-tagged dedicated mobile application named 'Swachha' for cleanliness this Saturday, beginning with 10 municipalities in the state. The pilot project will start in these municipalities, allowing citizens to take photos of accumulated waste and upload them to the app. The precise location will be instantly sent to civic teams to clean the spot. The app will be launched in the presence of Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday.
Request for Central Funds
Paul said the state government will request the Union minister to provide funds for executing various projects over the next year. The government seeks financial support to implement new projects related to waste management and cleanliness.
Pilot Initiative in Asansol-Durgapur Region
The state government is undertaking a pilot initiative in the Asansol-Durgapur region, focusing on scientific waste management, proper garbage disposal, sanitation, hygiene awareness, and cleaner surroundings.
