Riders' to keep a watch from today

JAIPUR: Think twice before throwing garbage or spiting on the streets, as Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) Watch Riders' will collect fine from offenders from Monday. The civic body is set to launch its special sanitation drive called Watch Rider Scheme' during festive season under which the city would be under the scrutiny of 77 bike-riders. They have been empowered to impose fines from anyone who indulge in civic nuisance under Sections 232 and 233 of the Rajasthan Municipal Act 2009.
Minister, urban development and housing, Shanti Dhariwal is slated to flag off the riders from Albert Hall on Monday morning.Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal will preside over the show. All the bikers will wear a blue uniform and a JMC badge as they will travel across the city to create awareness and fine offenders.
These men will hand over the receipt of fine on the spot if they find residents littering and dirtying their neighbourhood. Any littering by pets can also prove costly to the pet owners.
Meanwhile, CEO (JMC) L C Aswal on Sunday said preparations have been completed for the launch of the scheme. He has ordered that two garages at Lal Kothi and at Vidyadhar Nagar would remain open 24X7 till November 22 when the this rider scheme would be rolled back. "We have given sanction for additional earth-moving machines, vehicles, dumpers and tractors besides tons of insecticides and disinfectants," added Aswal.
All zonal commissioners have been asked to personally monitor sanitation in two shifts in the morning and evening. They will have to give the daily progress report to the CEO and headquarters commissioners. Good work will be awarded by the civic body with the sanitary inspectors getting a cash prize of Rs 5,100 from each zone.
Meanwhile, the scheme has evoked mixed reactions from the society at large even before its launch. However, a senior advocate and a keen watcher of civic issues in the city, Vimal Choudhary welcomed the initiative when he said that the scheme would help in disciplining the people who do not have civic sense.
On the contrary a section feels that the civic body first needs to create adequate facilities before introducing these marshals with power.
Rate of fine
1. Spitting --- Rs 50
2. Urinating Rs 50
3. Defecating Rs 100
4. Littering Rs 100
5. Litter by pets--- Rs 100
6. Washing utensils, clothes at public places etc Rs 100