Mumbai civic body fines 630 people for defecating in open, collects ₹63,000

Mumbai city news: This is the first time that the BMC fined violators after the city was declared open-defecation free in December 2016.

In 12 days, the BMC fined 630 people for defecating in the open even though there were public toilets within 500 metres.

In 12 days, the BMC fined 630 people for defecating in the open even though there were public toilets within 500 metres. (File photo)

Between June 18 and June 30, the civic body colled Rs63,000 in fines. This is the first time that the BMC fined violators after the city was declared open-defecation free in December 2016.

Assistant municipal commissioner, Kiran Dighavkar, said, “We have been conducting a lot of campaigns, street plays and school rallies to spread awareness among the people. They are expected to use the public toilets. It is high time now.”

Supriya Sonar, an activist earlier associated with the Right to Pee campaign, said, “Imposing fines is a temporary solution. Public toilets are in bad conditions and as long as we don’t sensitise the authority and the people, open defecation will continue.”