In a significant policy shift that could affect millions of Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering introducing a monthly fee for Solid Waste Management (SWM) services. The fee could range from ₹100 to ₹1,000 per household, aimed at covering the costs of handling solid waste generated by each home.

The controversial proposal, which also includes higher rates of ₹500 to ₹ 5,500 for commercial establishments, marks a departure from the current system where waste management is provided as an obligatory service.

The civic body is currently seeking legal counsel to modify the Mumbai Municipal Act of 1888, as waste management is mandated as an obligatory service under the existing framework. The initiative, first proposed in December, aims to align with the Union Government's 2016 Solid Waste Management Guidelines.

A senior official noted that the fee will be based on the size of the household, while commercial establishments will face separate charges, ranging between ₹500 and ₹5,500, according to a report by Mid-day.

While the BMC aims to revise waste management norms, there are concerns over the new fee structure, particularly regarding its impact on low-income groups. Experts, like Dhaval Shah, argue that fees should be based on the volume of waste generated, rather than the size of the home, to ensure fairness.