Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to introduce a ‘garbage tax’—officially termed as a ‘user fee’—aimed at enhancing the city’s solid waste management infrastructure. This initiative seeks to fund the extensive processes involved in collecting, transporting, and processing Mumbai’s daily waste output.
Proposed Fee Structure
The draft regulations suggest a tiered monthly fee for residential properties:
- Up to 50 sq m: ₹100
- 51 to 300 sq m: ₹500
- Above 300 sq m: ₹1,000
Commercial establishments, including clinics, small industries, and event venues, will face higher charges, starting at ₹500 per month. These fees are projected to generate approximately ₹687 crore annually from residential units alone, bolstering the BMC’s capacity to invest in modern waste management technologies and improve service delivery.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
To implement this user fee, the BMC plans to amend its solid waste management by-laws, which have remained unchanged for nearly two decades. This revision will align Mumbai’s regulations with the Central Government’s Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 and Maharashtra’s subsequent by-laws of 2019. The updated by-laws will also address various waste categories, including plastic, biomedical, construction, demolition, and electronic waste, providing a comprehensive framework for the city’s waste management.
Rationale Behind the Initiative
Mumbai currently generates about 7,500 tonnes of waste daily, with a per capita expenditure on solid waste management at ₹3,141—significantly higher than cities like Pune, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The introduction of the user fee aims to offset these escalating costs and bring Mumbai in line with other Indian cities that already impose similar charges.
Next Steps
The BMC has obtained legal clearance to proceed and will soon initiate stakeholder consultations, inviting public suggestions and objections. Following this, the revised by-laws will be presented to the state legislative assembly for formal approval and amendment of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888.
Implications for Residents
While the user fee introduces an additional expense for Mumbai’s residents and businesses, it is designed to enhance the city’s waste management capabilities. The funds collected will be directed towards adopting advanced technologies and improving overall service efficiency, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
As the proposal progresses through consultations and legislative procedures, residents are encouraged to participate actively in discussions to voice their perspectives and contribute to shaping the city’s waste management policies.
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