BMC plans to open House for citizens
MUMBAI: Should people be fined for feeding stray animals on streets? Should the fine for spitting be made stiffer?
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the BMC is not only inviting citizens’ suggestions on its policy on sanitation, but is also planning to allow “chosen” Mumbaikars to voice their take in the BMC House.
Citizens, in favour of or against the guidelines in the draft on Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws, will soon be able to address Mumbai’s corporators and convince them on issues crucial to keeping the metropolis clean.
“There is much cynicism about the way the city is being administered. In a bid to ensure better participation from citizens, we have decided to hold hearings where they can voice opinions, criticism and suggestions,” said R A Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner, in-charge of the city’s solid waste management.
So, while Mayor Datta Dalvi will be asking NGOs, charity and other people’s organisations to be present for the public hearings, municipal commissioner Johny Joseph will invite corporate and media houses for the event at BMC House.
Issues addressed in the BMC’s bylaws include imposition of fines for littering, spitting and activities such as bathing in public and feeding animals and birds on streets in non-designated areas.
The highest fines are for non-segregation of waste and for dirtying areas around a residence\house. A copy of the draft of the bylaws is available at all the ward offices for Rs 25.
But before being able to address the BMC House, citizens will have to undergo a 10-day screening process which Mayor Dalvi will kick off on September 25 both in the island city and the suburbs.
“Citizens with the best suggestions and objections will be invited to address the House,” said Rajeev.
URL- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1902550.cms