BMC set to revive clean-up marshal scheme with grievance redress cell

MUMBAI: The BMC’s clean-up marshal scheme, which is most likely to be revived after the monsoon, will this time feature a grievance redress cell so that citizens can register complaints against the marshals.
The clean-up marshal campaign was introduced in November 2007. The BMC appointed 373 marshals on contractual basis and authorized them to fine people caught spitting, urinating and littering at public places.Following complaints from the citizenry, the scheme was discontinued in 2011. Ordinary people, supported by corporators, cried foul that the marshals, instead of curbing civic problems, were extorting money. Given the messy precedent, the BMC does not plan to take any chances this time.
Deputy municipal commissioner (solid waste management) Prakash Patil said the proposal would be brought before the standing committee for approval and the BMC was looking at completing procedures by September 30. “The plan is to have 30 clean-up marshals in each ward and one grievance official to address complaints.”
Besides seeking to instil civic sense in the city’s population, the BMC intends to address issues like flood-prevention by restarting the scheme. A BMC official said that during the June 19 flood, beddings and wooden tables were found dumped in nullahs like Irla. He said nullahs thus blocked could not drain out rain water. Clean-up marshals are expected to put a check on such wanton behaviour.
RTI activist Anil Galgali said the BMC should first put its oun house in order. “The BMC has not created adequate infrastructure for people to spit or throw garbage, leading to litter. Restarting the marshal scheme would only lead to fights.”