BMC Plans To Charge Mumbaikars For Waste Collection: Will Your Monthly Budget Increase?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is exploring the possibility of introducing a monthly fee for Solid Waste Management (SWM) services, potentially ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 per household, according to a Midday report.

The fee would cover the cost of handling solid waste generated by each home. Legal advice has been sought by the civic body to determine the best way to implement this new levy under the Mumbai Municipal Act of 1888, which currently mandates waste management as an obligatory service.

Photo Credit: PTI

This initiative was first proposed by the BMC in December. As per the same report, an official explained, "The Union Government's 2016 Solid Waste Management Guidelines suggested the collection of waste fees. We are simply adhering to these guidelines. While we are revising solid waste norms, the new fee structure will be incorporated once the revisions are complete."

A senior official confirmed that the BMC is reviewing the legal aspects of introducing the collection fee. "We have consulted with a legal expert to figure out how to introduce the fee under the current legal framework. Since waste management is an obligatory duty under the MMC Act of 1888, we need to modify the Act before imposing any fees," he stated.

Under the proposed plan, fees would be charged based on the size of the household, with amounts ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 per month. Commercial establishments would face different rates, estimated to be between Rs 500 and Rs 5,500.

However, some citizens have expressed concerns. Dhaval Shah, founder of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association, pointed out that charging fees based on the size of the home could be unfair.

"Affluent areas tend to have lower density per flat compared to lower-income group (LIG) areas. Fees should reflect the amount of waste generated, not the size of the flat," he argued.

The 2016 Solid Waste Management Guidelines allow local bodies to impose fees on waste generators to recover the cost of waste collection, transport, and disposal services.

However, residents like Sanjay Gurav from Fort are questioning the rationale behind the new fees. "Collecting waste is the BMC's duty. Why should citizens have to pay extra for a service that is mandatory?" he asked, according to a Midday report.

The BMC is expected to proceed with the legal modifications before finalising its plan to implement the fees.