BMC removes boards put up by Bandra residents asking pet owners to pick up poop

Mumbai: Residents of Rebello Road in Bandra (West) have found themselves at odds with the civic body after the BMC removed signboards they had installed to deter pet owners from leaving behind litter.A civic official said, "The boards haven't been put up by us and so these were pulled down."The boards, put up by locals after repeated instances of pet waste being left uncleared, were taken down by the BMC on the grounds that residents are not authorised to erect such signage.Rochelle Serrao, a local resident, said that this has led to frustration among them as authorities have failed to enforce recently introduced by-laws that prohibit feeding pets in public spaces and prescribe a fine of Rs 500 for violations. "In the absence of strict enforcement, citizen-led efforts were our only recourse. If the BMC won't act and won't allow us to act either, then who will ensure accountability?" she questioned.Former BMC corporator from Bandra West Asif Zakaria said, "Such actions may inadvertently discourage well-meaning citizens who are trying to cooperate with the civic administration. Additionally, residents have also raised concerns regarding pet dog walkers allowing their dogs to relieve themselves on public roads and footpaths without cleaning up the waste. Such instances create hygiene issues and inconvenience for pedestrians, especially senior citizens using the footpaths. Responsible pet ownership requires that dog walkers carry appropriate cleaning materials and dispose of pet waste properly, in line with the spirit of the SWM by-laws and public cleanliness norms. In a ward like Bandra where citizens are keen to partner with the administration, it would be beneficial if such initiatives are guided, regulated and encouraged rather than discouraged."