- July 9, 2026
Bengal announces stricter anti-littering norms, expands urban sanitation drive
Last Updated:
Representational image (Image: News18)
Kolkata, Jul 8 (PTI) West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday announced a slew of measures to strengthen urban sanitation, including stricter anti-littering penalties, welfare initiatives for sanitation workers and expansion of waste management infrastructure under the state’s “Swachh, Sustha O Sabuj Bangla” mission.
Paul said the state has cleaned over 2,400 Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) and 2,300 blocked drains under the “Swachhata Se Swagat” programme conducted between June 15 and 20.| “In the past month alone, around 11,000 drains have been cleaned, 2,600 water bodies rejuvenated and nearly 2,800 littering hotspots eliminated,” she said at a programme here.
During a month-long cleanliness drive, around 11,000 drains were cleaned, 2,600 water bodies rejuvenated and nearly 2,800 littering hotspots eliminated.
From September 1, the state will impose a Rs 200 fine for littering, use of banned single-use plastics, spitting in public places and public urination.
Biodegradable bag vending machines will also be installed in major markets to encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
Paul urged residents and commercial establishments to hand over only segregated waste to sanitation workers and said a public awareness campaign would be launched to promote responsible waste disposal.
The minister said fresh waste processing plants are operational in 16 urban local bodies (ULBs), with construction underway in 68 more.
The government aims to make such facilities operational in 102 ULBs by next March, while legacy waste remediation is expected to be completed across most ULBs by December 2027. PTI SCH NN
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
Read More
