The BMC is getting serious about dirt. Ten private security agencies attended a pre-bidding meeting in the civic HQ showing interest to partner in a unique drive.
Additional municipal commissioner says the civic body has taken its cue from New York
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is getting serious about dirt. Ten private security agencies attended a pre-bidding meeting in the civic headquarters last week showing interest to partner with the corporation in a unique drive to check nuisance on the street. This joint venture signals the arrival of uniformed services to clean up Mumbai streets — the Clean-up Marshals.
The partnership is broadly based on a revenue-sharing model and would need clearance from the Standing Committee. Under this, the BMC does not shell out any funds to private security agencies. Instead, both would share 50 per cent of the fine charged by a marshal. The marshals will carry digital cameras to click those who spit, litter, urinate or wash cars on the streets. Then they will impose fines. In case of possible disputes, citizens can contest fines at the zonal deputy commissioner’s office.
“We are not reducing any jobs and creating a more efficient system for cleanliness. By May 30, we will scrutinise the documents of all interested private agencies and would also consider offering them to work in the municipal wards of their choice,” said RA Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner (city).
In uniforms carrying badges of the corporation and their security agency, the marshals would move in their designated wards in jeeps and bikes and would communicate using a walkie-talkie. Since the charged fine would be imposed in form of tickets, any possible “negotiation” with those it is imposed on is being ruled out. Marshals would be trained not be rude or harsh to people and three complaints of such behaviour would cost them their job. The system also provides for a third party audit by local NGOs of the joint venture.
The new civic model is inspired by the sanitation system adopted in the US. In fact, during his recent visit to New York in connection with the Global Climate Change conference, Rajeev met senior sanitation department officials to understand the laws and functioning mechanism.
“New York has three uniform services — police, fire brigade and department of sanitation. We are incorporating this concept to create civic marshals for Mumbai,” said Rajeev.
Rajeev stressed upon the need to instil fear of law amongst those making city dirty. “The proof before charging fine is vital. And the day there is no littering, spitting etc we would pay the private security agencies ourselves for maintaining the city clean,” he added.
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