Surat Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Littering, Fines Residents

Surat : In a concerted effort to maintain cleanliness in the diamond city of Surat, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a crackdown on residential societies, penalizing residents for littering and improper waste disposal. Over the past two days, the SMC has formed cleanliness squads across the city’s municipal zones, resulting in the issuance of fines to an estimated 5,000 residents and the collection of fines totaling Rs 5.5 lakh.

The SMC’s initiative was initiated following a review meeting held by municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal after Diwali, during which she emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Surat. She directed officers and employees of all relevant departments to ensure proper sanitation, starting with the corporation’s own cleaning efforts within societies before initiating penal actions.

To implement this strategy, the corporation first undertook comprehensive cleaning drives in all societies, followed by inspections to identify and address sources of littering. Health officer Dr. Praveen Umrigar stated that SMC squad members are conducting inspections in societies both mornings and evenings.

In addition to residential societies, roadside eateries and stalls have also been instructed to properly dispose of their garbage through designated collection vans. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted using loudspeakers, reminding residents that littering will not be tolerated and will result in penalties.

Despite the substantial fines collected, the SMC’s primary goal is to foster a culture of responsible waste management among residents. Dr. Ashish Naik, deputy municipal commissioner (health and hospital), reiterated the intention to educate rather than penalize. He emphasized the need for residents to take ownership of their surroundings and refrain from littering.

“The SMC’s crackdown on littering serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility we share in maintaining clean and healthy urban environments. By adopting responsible waste disposal practices and adhering to civic regulations, we can contribute significantly to a cleaner and more sustainable Surat” said Dr. Naik.