The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to roll out a structured system of monthly user fees for door-to-door solid waste collection, alongside strict penalties for non-compliance. The final solid waste management by-law comes into force this Thursday, marking a significant shift in how waste is handled in Salt Lake and Rajarhat Gopalpur.
New Fee Structure for Households and Businesses
Under the newly notified by-law, which aligns with the central government's SWM Rules of 2016, the civic body has introduced fixed, slab-wise monthly charges. The fee is based on the built-up area of a property. Houses smaller than 500 square feet will pay Rs 50 per month. Properties measuring between 500 sq ft and under 1,200 sq ft are slated for a Rs 75 charge.
For larger residences, the monthly fee rises to Rs 100 for areas from 1,200 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft. The highest slab of Rs 150 per month applies to buildings covering 3,000 sq ft and above. Notably, these user fee slabs will see an automatic annual increase of 5%, effective from the first of January each year.
Mandatory Segregation and On-the-Spot Fines
The by-law makes it compulsory for all waste generators—domestic, institutional, and commercial—to segregate waste at the source. To ensure adherence, the BMC has been empowered to impose on-the-spot fines through designated officers. The penalty structure is progressive.
For residential users failing to segregate waste, the fine is Rs 200 for a first offence. A second violation will cost Rs 300, and every subsequent instance will attract a penalty of Rs 400. The rules come down even harder on the use of banned materials.
The production, distribution, sale, or use of plastic or thermocol can lead to a hefty fine of Rs 5,000 initially. A second offence carries a Rs 7,000 penalty, and any repeat after that will result in a Rs 10,000 fine.
Scope and Civic Appeal for Compliance
The regulations apply to all non-residential and residential solid waste generators within the BMC's jurisdiction. However, industrial waste, hazardous chemicals, biomedical waste, e-waste, lead-acid batteries, and radioactive waste are excluded, as they are managed under separate rules of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
In a public notice, the BMC has urged all residents and establishments to comply with the by-law starting Thursday. The civic body emphasizes that cooperation is essential for the smooth and effective implementation of the solid waste management system, which aims to foster a healthier and more hygienic environment for the community.
