Dog poop is spoiling the Marine Drive, says the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), proposing to ban pets on the 4-km stretch.

It will give a month’s warning to the owners and if dogs continue to litter the newly renovated promenade, officials said extreme measures will have to be taken. “The minute we see owners bringing pets we will tell them to take the animals away,” said additional municipal commissioner (city) R A Rajeev.

The Marine Drive was recently beautified by the MMRDA at Rs 26 crore, with larger promenades on both sides.

The BMC’s cleanliness and sanitation bylaws of 2006 make a pet owner responsible for clearing poop on Mumbai’s pavements. A fine of Rs 500 can be levied if it is not cleared. Assistant municipal commissioner, A ward, A Dhamne said that everyday at least two violators are fined by the clean-up marshals for not clearing their dog’s poop.

“We have been communicating with joggers and residents’ association for two years but there has been no response. The poop is a nuisance to joggers, walkers and people who come at Marine Drive and therefore we intend to ban the pets on the promenade,” he said.

The BMC will limit its anti-poop drive to the Queen’s Necklace. “Residents of Marine Drive have reached a certain level of cleanliness and higher targets should be eyed. Other parts of the city are still to be as clean as this area,” Rajeev said. “Marine Drive is a postcard for the city. A number of tourists visit here and this place should be kept litter-free.”

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