Gujarat : Littering During Celebrations? Get Ready for Hefty Fines in Surat!

Surat : The newly crowned “Cleanest City of India,” is cracking down on littering during marriages, religious processions, and public rallies. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued a stern warning: keep the city clean or face hefty fines.

This comes after the SMC health department slapped a Rs. 5,000 fine on the organizer of a religious procession held near the Umiya Temple in Varachha. Participants ignited firecrackers, leaving the road strewn with debris. Using CCTV footage, authorities identified the organizer and held them accountable for the mess.

This incident serves as a reminder to all organizers and participants in such events. The SMC is no longer tolerating littering, even during celebratory occasions. The city’s cleanliness, a hard-earned achievement, takes precedence.

“Maintaining Surat’s cleanliness is a collective responsibility,” said a spokesperson for the SMC. “We urge organizers to be mindful and ensure proper waste disposal arrangements during their events. Failure to comply will result in strict penalties.”

The hefty fine sends a clear message: littering is no longer a minor offense in Surat. Organizers are now expected to take proactive measures, such as hiring sanitation workers or providing designated waste disposal bins, to prevent littering during their events.

This move is being lauded by residents who appreciate the city’s commitment to cleanliness. “It’s good to see the SMC taking action against littering,” said Sunita Patel, a resident of Varachha. “Clean surroundings make a huge difference to our quality of life.”

However, some organizers express concern about the feasibility of implementing these measures, especially for smaller events. The SMC has assured them of support and guidance, offering to help them plan their events in a way that minimizes waste generation and ensures proper disposal.