60 booked for littering as KDMC launches crackdown in Kalyan East

KALYAN: The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has launched a special drive against citizens dumping garbage in the open, booking 60 people under Section 151 of the Mumbai Police Act for littering on roads and public spaces.

According to civic officials, the problem of open dumping of dry and wet waste has been reported from several pockets, particularly in slum areas. Despite deploying “ghanta gadi” waste collection vehicles twice daily — in the morning and evening — many residents continue to discard garbage on streets instead of handing it over to sanitation workers.

As part of the crackdown, cases have been registered against several violators, who have been directed to appear before court and pay fines. In addition, around 20 offenders were fined on the spot during the enforcement drive.

The action has currently been initiated in Kalyan East, identified as one of the worst-affected areas in terms of garbage dumping. Officials said the drive will be implemented phase-wise across other parts of the twin city wherever instances of open littering are reported.

KDMC Deputy Commissioner Ramdas Kokare appealed to citizens to cooperate with the civic body and follow waste segregation norms. “If residents have any complaints regarding garbage collection, they can directly approach our staff. We are ready to resolve any issue,” he said.

Kokare, however, warned that non-compliance will not be tolerated. “Even after providing collection facilities twice a day, if people fail to follow the rules and continue dumping waste outside instead of handing it over to the ghanta gadi, strict action will be taken,” he said.

He added that the corporation is capable of providing all necessary facilities and urged citizens to inform authorities of any shortcomings. “But ignoring the system and throwing unsegregated garbage in the open will invite penal action,” he said.