BMC to prosecute 963 societies

Mumbai: Office-bearers of nearly 1,000 housing societies are facing imprisonment for not complying with the waste segregation and processing rules. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prosecuted 963 housing societies in the city for not carrying out waste segregation and processing on their premises.

According to civic data, out of the 3,029 housing societies that were sent notices, 1,095 have responded positively, whereas 258 have asked for an extension. The BMC has taken action against 963 housing societies, which did not comply with waste segregation and processing rules. Of them, 278 cases are already in court, whereas action will be taken soon against 309 societies. The BMC has also collected a fine of Rs 16 lakh from these societies.

Under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act, officials of housing societies are liable to face three months of imprisonment, which can be extended to three years, for not carrying out waste management. In addition to this, a penalty from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 will also be levied on these societies under the municipal act. They will also be charged an additional fine of Rs 100 every day.

In addition to this, the BMC has also taken action against housing societies, which have misused the space meant for vermi-composting plants for other uses. Of the 286 societies, which were issued notices in this regard, 121 societies have set up a vermi-composting plant in their premises, whereas 22 have asked for an extension. The 36 societies that did not reply to the notice or take any measures to comply with the rules have been prosecuted. Of the remaining societies, 11 cases are in still in courts, whereas action is pending against 96 societies.

In 2007, it was made compulsory for newly constructed housing societies to have their own composting unit, which will segregate and process garbage. There are about 300 housing societies, which have been built after 2007, in the city.

“However, there are complaints that several housing societies have used the space meant for vermi-composting plants for other uses like setting up gardens, garages, offices, security cabins. If they are found violating conditions during visits, they will be issued a ‘change of user’ notice under the MRTP Act 1966,” said a senior civic official.