Clean-up marshals are here to stay, says BMC

Clean-up marshals act against violators of mask rule at CSMT. File pic

The BMC has said it is taking various measures to keep a check on alleged harassment and corruption by clean-up marshals, amid a rise in complaints. It added that the system is here to stay, as the marshals are crucial in the enforcement of the face mask rule.

There have been accusations against some marshals taking money from the violators and not issuing receipts. The corporation tried to file FIRs against the culprits, but the police refused to do so stating that complainants/witnesses were necessary and the transaction amount was less than Rs 300.

Meanwhile, the BMC has sent show-cause notices to the agencies and asked them to submit police verification certificates of all the marshals. Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani has ordered civic officials to take the help of CCTV cameras and form teams at ward level to monitor the clean-up marshals. The civic body is also thinking of developing an app so that fines can be paid online.

‘Strict action important'

"It is very important that people wear a mask in public places, and along with awareness some strict action is necessary," said Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sangita Hasnale on keeping the marshals on the job.

A civic official, meanwhile, said, "The issue is on both sides. If people wear masks, no one can ‘harass' them for fine. Sometimes marshals behave rudely and we take action against them. But it is also people's duty to pay the fine of Rs 200 and take a receipt, instead of ‘settle' the matter with a lesser amount."

Hasnale told mid-day that the marshals who are found at fault will be replaced. There will be a meeting on Wednesday of concerned officials of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) department to change the conditions for the appointment of clean-up agencies and marshals.

Complaints from five wards

The BMC has received complaints from five locations - Marine Drive, Girgaon Chowpatty, Bandstand, Juhu Chowpatty and Powai Lake. A ward (Marine Drive) and D ward (Girgaon Chowpatty) officials have directed the concerned clean-up agencies to file FIRs against marshals not issuing receipts. H West ward (Bandstand) and S ward (Powai Lake) informed the SWM department that police weren't ready to lodge an FIR without witnesses/complainants. K West ward (Juhu Chowpatty) sent a notice to the agency and an FIR will be lodged after the reply.