Bombay High Court has directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to crack down on indiscriminate garbage dumping across Mumbai, observing that repeated clean-up drives are futile unless civic authorities act firmly against offenders. Hearing a public interest litigation on the city’s sanitation, the court said strict and “ruthless” enforcement is needed to curb littering on roads, beaches and around heritage precincts.
Court questions citizens’ civic sense
A division bench remarked that keeping Mumbai clean cannot be left solely to the BMC. It pointed out that many Indians who diligently use dustbins and follow cleanliness norms abroad often fail to display the same discipline at home, calling for a change in public attitude alongside stricter enforcement.
The bench urged the civic body to make greater use of penalties and other legal provisions against those found littering or illegally dumping waste in public spaces, saying visible enforcement is essential to improve civic behaviour.
Heritage sites and beaches under scrutiny
The court expressed concern over garbage piling up near some of Mumbai’s most prominent public spaces and heritage landmarks, noting that such neglect tarnishes the city’s image despite regular municipal cleaning drives. It directed BMC to clear waste from identified locations within the stipulated timeframe and submit a compliance report to the court. Authorities have also been asked to ensure that the cleaned areas do not become dumping spots again.
Part of a wider push for a cleaner Mumbai
The observations come amid a series of recent directions issued by the Bombay High Court on Mumbai’s waste management. In recent weeks, the court has sought urgent measures to keep roads, pavements and bylanes garbage-free, demanded accountability from civic officials and closely monitored waste management practices at the Kanjurmarg landfill and around heritage precincts.
