Top Stories BMC Proposes to Impose SWM Tax on Citizens The final decision on implementation of SWM Tax is still pending, and the BMC has now submitted a proposal to the law department to seek legal counsel before moving forward By Yogitha S. Yogesh – On October 21, 2024 2:00 pm – 2 mins read The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation ( BMC ) in Mumbai proposed to implement a solid waste management ( SWM ) tax on citizens to fund the infrastructure, services and operations necessary to collect, transport, process, recycle, and dispose of waste in an environmentally responsible manner and could be levied along with the property tax bill. The civic official expects at least ₹100 crore from 26 administrative wards every year.

Neighbouring Navi Mumbai and Thane have already integrated solid waste management fees into their property taxes. Mumbai, however, has yet to establish a similar system. The civic body has sought the opinion of its legal department to ensure the tax’s feasibility and a final decision is expected only after the upcoming assembly elections. Become a PF & ESIC expert with our comprehensive course – Enroll Now A civic official from the solid waste management department said that they have put up a proposal with the legal department for verification to revise the by-laws on solid waste management 2016 but because of the election code of conduct it will be decided after assembly polls. It has not been decided whether they can recover the tax through assessment tax. The assessment tax is already collecting water taxes and sewerage taxes.

A large number of solid waste, including dry garbage and kitchen waste is generated across the city but there is no segregation done at source and as per solid waste management rules 2016, it is mandatory for bulk generators of waste, especially housing societies occupying an area of 20,000 sq metres or producing more than 100 kgs of waste per day to segregate waste into dry and wet waste inside their premises. However, many housing societies have defaulted in implementing these rules, leading to inefficiencies in waste disposal.

Become a PF & ESIC expert with our comprehensive course – Enroll Now In past years, the BMC attempted to enforce penalties on such societies, but some of the residents challenged this action in court, resulting in a delay in penal measures. The civic official added that after a legal opinion is sought on the same, a public notice will be published for suggestions and objectives from citizens. Fats measuring 500 sq ft and below are exempted from property taxes, a decision will be taken to include these flats as well as they too are generators of solid waste. The municipal solid waste department bears significant expenses in collecting and disposing of garbage, but currently, it lacks a corresponding source of revenue. Become a PF & ESIC expert with our comprehensive course – Enroll Now The final decision on implementation  is still pending, and the BMC has now submitted a proposal to the law department to seek legal counsel before moving forward.