Mumbai: BMC collects fine worth Rs 24 lakh spitting in public

Mumbai: Mumbai is one of the worst hit cities in the country as the number of corona virus cases is on the rise.  There were 8,803 new corona virus cases and 53 new deaths in the metropolis on Friday.  Sweeping restrictions have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.  Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a city-based civic body, has been fined Rs 24 lakh by 12,000 people for spitting in public places in the last six months.

According to the Brihanmumbai Sanitation and Health By-Law, a civic body can be fined Rs 200 for spitting in public places.  In the last six months, as cases have started to increase, hefty fines have come into effect as people continue to lower security guards. BMC raised Rs 24,89,100 in six months.  Out of the 24 administrative wards, L ward tops the list of most offenders.  El Ward includes Sakinaka and Kurla.  A fine of about Rs 3.52 lakh was imposed. 

A ward comprising Nariman Point and Colaba was fined Rs 3.29 lakh.  To curb the spread of the virus, BMC had imposed a fine of Rs 200 for spitting in public places last May, however.  The Bombay High Court had asked BMC officials, police and the state government why it was dangerous to spit in public in view of the contagious disease. 

There has been an increase in corona virus cases in Maharashtra.  On Friday, 63,729 Kovid-19 cases were reported in the state.  The death toll from the deadly pandemic virus has risen to 398 from 59,551.  In Maharashtra, about 9 lakh cases were registered in April so far.