Mumbai: BMC Proposes Waste Management Fee on Residents to Improve Infrastructure

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to impose a solid waste management (SWM) fee on Mumbai residents, aiming to strengthen the city's waste management infrastructure. Under the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) by the Government of India, municipal bodies are authorized to levy a 'user fee' for better waste disposal and recycling processes.

Officials stated that the proposed fee would be added to the property tax bracket, funding transport costs, recycling methods, and waste disposal systems. Although the exact fee amount is still undecided, similar fees are already in place in cities like Pune and Delhi. Currently, BMC aims to generate Rs 150-200 crore from this initiative.

For properties under 500 sqft, typically exempt from property taxes, the new fee would be applicable. BMC officials highlighted that this measure would also help generate revenue, especially since property tax rates have not increased since 2015. This fee would support BMC's budget and improve its waste management services, which are crucial given the ongoing issues with waste segregation and disposal practices.

While there are challenges with enforcing waste segregation laws, this move aims to bring a significant change in the city's waste management system.