India, March 29 -- To deter people from burning waste in the open, as it poses serious environmental and health risks, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to increase the fine amount tenfold, from Rs.100 to Rs.1,000.

The new penalty charge will be effective from April 1, 2025. At the same time, a team has been formed at the ward level to prevent such open burning of waste. The team will include a junior supervisor from the Solid Waste Management department, a nuisance detector (ND staff), and a mukadam (supervisor).

The Brihanmumbai Sanitation and Health Bye-Laws, 2006, were framed under Section 462 (EE) of the amended Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, relating to collection, transportation and disposal of sol...