Spitting And Garbage Littering In Varanasi To Attract Fines Up To Rs 1,000 Under New Cleanliness Rules

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has introduced a new penalty system under the Uttar Pradesh Solid Waste Management and Cleanliness Rules, 2021, imposing fines of up to Rs 1,000 on individuals caught spitting, littering, or defacing public spaces, The Times of India reported.

Under the revised penalties, individuals found throwing waste from a moving vehicle on public or private property, or failing to prevent passengers from doing so, will face a Rs 1,000 fine.

For spitting, urinating, defecating, or leaving food waste that causes littering, a fine of Rs 250 will be imposed.

The updated penalty book, replacing the earlier version, was distributed on 27 October during a meeting chaired by the municipal commissioner with all department heads.

The new rules empower officials to take suo motu action and issue on-the-spot fines for various offences, including spitting, littering, encroachment, illegal dumping of debris, throwing garbage on vacant plots, road cutting, and unauthorised water or sewer connections.

Pet owners will be fined Rs 500 if their animals relieve themselves in public areas such as roads or parks. In cases of open defecation by pets, owners must either dispose of the waste through a septic vehicle or pay a Rs 500 fine.

Those found spreading or accumulating construction and demolition waste in drains, footpaths, or public grounds will face penalties of Rs 3,000.

Additionally, littering in open lands, playgrounds, or gardens will attract a Rs 500 fine, while violations near rivers, drains, educational institutions, hospitals, or religious sites will result in fines of Rs 750.

The corporation also set a Rs 750 monthly penalty for unsegregated fish, poultry, and meat waste.

For repeat violations, officials may impose recurring fines and even file FIRs against offenders.

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