In a major push to improve urban sanitation and civic discipline ahead of Durga Puja, the West Bengal government is preparing to launch the ‘Swachh App’ on September 1. The initiative aims to curb littering, spitting, and other unhygienic practices in public spaces through a combination of public awareness campaigns, improved waste management infrastructure, and monetary penalties for violators.
According to officials, the new cleanliness campaign will initially focus on educating citizens about responsible waste disposal and maintaining cleanliness in public areas. The Urban Development Department will spend the first three months conducting awareness drives and warning residents against practices that contribute to urban pollution and unhygienic conditions.
Pilot project to begin in 10 municipalities
The ‘Swachh App’ will first be introduced in municipalities currently being administered by appointed administrators. Ten municipalities have been selected for the pilot phase, where authorities will test the implementation of the initiative before expanding it to other urban local bodies across the state.
Officials said the app is intended to strengthen civic participation and support municipal authorities in maintaining cleanliness standards. During the initial phase, citizens will be informed about the new regulations and encouraged to adopt cleaner habits in public spaces.
Fines after a three-month awareness period
Once the three-month awareness period concludes, authorities will begin strict enforcement of the new rules. Police personnel and other designated officials will be empowered to impose fines on individuals found violating sanitation norms.
Under the proposed measures, penalties will be imposed on people caught:
1. Throwing garbage on roads and public spaces
2. Discarding plastic waste and food packets indiscriminately
3. Spitting in public areas
4. Littering streets and marketplaces
5. Urinating openly on roads and public places
Officials believe the move will help reduce visible waste accumulation in urban areas and improve overall public hygiene.
Dustbins every 100 metres
As part of the campaign, the state government has also announced plans to significantly improve waste disposal infrastructure. Dustbins will be installed at intervals of every 100 metres across urban areas of West Bengal to make proper waste disposal more convenient for residents and visitors.
The government hopes that the increased availability of waste bins, combined with awareness campaigns and penalties for violations, will encourage citizens to adopt cleaner civic practices and contribute to a healthier urban environment.
Focus on cleanliness before Durga Puja
The initiative comes ahead of Durga Puja, one of West Bengal’s largest festivals, when millions of people gather at pandals, markets, and public spaces across the state. The government expects the cleanliness drive to help manage the increased volume of waste generated during the festive season and ensure cleaner streets and public areas for residents and visitors alike.
Officials maintain that the campaign is aimed not merely at imposing fines but at fostering a long-term culture of cleanliness and civic responsibility throughout the state.
