Number of ‘green’ guards drop as many opted out; agencies say citizens get into scuffle, don’t co-operate

When the plan was launched exactly a year ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Clean-up Marshals had their task cut out: To spot and fine Mumbaiites who spit, urinate and litter on roads, and drive home a lesson in civic sense. However, 12 months later, the uniformed marshals seem to have become demoralised due to undeterred and unaware citizens who refuse to co-operate or pay fines. They even indulge in arguments and often scuffle with them.

The result: the city now has just 289 marshals left with many opting out of the profession. 

To implement the ‘Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws,2006’, the BMC  had short listed private security agencies to fine people littering, spitting or dirtying city roads in any other manner, and the fine ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 20,000. The initiative, which was flagged off on November 15 last year, had created positive buzz. But a year later, security agencies are struggling to maintain the number of marshals and the profit as well.

Though the civic administration added Rs 2.57 crore to its kitty by penalising 76,000 defaulters and making another 50,000 opt for community service, the general public’s attitude has been of non-cooperation. Eventually, almost all security agencies have reduced the number of marshals. However, additional municipal commissioner R A Rajeev said the BMC had hoped that more marshals will be appointed. “The initial enthusiasm on the initiative has met with resistance from people. But we need to sustain this campaign and make people more aware,” he said.

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