Mumbai has introduced strict cleanliness by-laws to improve hygiene, public health, and overall quality of life. These rules come with clearly defined penalties for violations in public spaces, residential areas, commercial premises, and event venues. Whether you’re a resident, vendor, pet owner, or event organiser, staying informed can help you avoid fines and contribute to a cleaner city.
Below is a simplified breakdown of the key by-laws and penalties every Mumbaikar should know 👇
🚯 Public Cleanliness & Hygiene Violations
Acts that harm public hygiene now attract immediate penalties. Throwing garbage in public places or engaging in unhygienic acts such as urinating or defecating in public can lead to a ₹500 fine. Spitting in public areas, which poses serious health risks, is also penalised with a ₹250 fine. These rules aim to discourage daily habits that negatively affect shared spaces.
🐕 Pets & Animals in Public Spaces
Pet owners are now held more accountable. If pets defecate in public places and the waste is not cleaned, a ₹1,000 fine applies. Feeding animals or birds in public spaces—often leading to littering and safety concerns—can result in a ₹500 penalty. Responsible behaviour is key to maintaining clean footpaths and public areas.
🚿 Washing & Bathing in Public Areas
Using public spaces for personal activities is strictly prohibited. Bathing in open or public places, washing utensils or clothes, and even washing vehicles on public roads can attract fines ranging from ₹300 to ₹500. These measures help conserve water and prevent public inconvenience.
♻️ Waste Segregation Is Mandatory
Waste segregation is no longer optional. Failing to separate dry and wet waste can result in a ₹200 fine, even on the first offence. Improper disposal of fish or meat waste carries a higher penalty of ₹750, due to health and sanitation concerns. Proper segregation ensures efficient waste processing and cleaner neighbourhoods.
🌿 Home, Garden & Drain Cleanliness
Residents are responsible for keeping their immediate surroundings clean. Dumping garden waste incorrectly can lead to a ₹200 fine, while allowing drains in front of homes to remain dirty can attract a ₹500 penalty. Clean surroundings reduce mosquito breeding and waterlogging issues.
🏪 Vendors & Commercial Establishments
Street vendors and shops must maintain cleanliness standards. Vendors operating without dustbins or failing to segregate waste can be fined ₹750 for each violation. These rules ensure that commercial activities do not add to public waste problems.
🏠 Premises Maintenance Rules
All premises—residential or commercial—must be kept clean. Failure to do so results in a ₹500 fine, which increases to ₹1,500 for repeat offences. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure a hygienic environment.
🚧 Serious Environmental Offences
Heavy penalties apply to major violations. Burning waste attracts a steep fine of ₹10,000. Illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste can cost ₹20,000, while transporting such waste without a valid permit can lead to a ₹25,000 fine. These measures aim to curb environmental damage and illegal dumping.
🎉 Event Organisers: Clean-Up Is Mandatory
Event organisers must ensure that venues are cleaned after use. If an event site is left dirty, the security deposit will be forfeited. This rule promotes accountability and responsible use of public and private spaces.
🌱 Why These By-Laws Matter
Clean habits cost nothing—but ignoring civic responsibility can cost thousands. These by-laws are designed not just to penalise, but to encourage collective responsibility. A cleaner Mumbai means healthier citizens, safer public spaces, and a better quality of life for everyone.
Source:
🏙️ Mumbai’s New Cleanliness By-Laws: What You Need to Know