Despite consistently returning with poor results in the Swachh Survekshan every year, the civic authorities seem to have reduced focus on disciplining the citizens regarding cleanliness, reveals data available for years 2022 to 2024, obtained through Right To Information (RTI) application filed by Abhay Kolarkar. The data of Waste Disposal Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) reveals that the number of actions taken by Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) against people and organisations spreading filth have declined over the years. The data reveals that the number of actions declined from 13,634 in 2022 to 10,681 in 2024.

 

The number of actions taken in 2023 was 14,011. The amount of fine collected through these actions have also declined over the years. While NMC collected a fine of Rs 80,54,600 in year 2022; it reduced to Rs 71,57,200 in year 2023; and was Rs 54,46,700 in year 2024 as revealed by the data. The declining action against cleanliness is shocking as the city received ‘Zero’ marks in ‘Garbage-free city’ category in Swachh Survekshan 2024, as the solid waste management plant in the city had recently started working at the time of survey. Even with the plant functioning properly, the filth at open spaces in the city have to be collected and cleaned and those spreading the waste need to be disciplined. The number of actions against offences of spitting in public spaces by NDS have also seen a rapid decline over the years. The NMC collected a fine of Rs 23,51,100 in year 2022 with 892 offences; the cases reduced to Rs 74,800 with 248 cases in 2023.

 

The action taken against spitting in 2024 fell down to 181 in 2024 when the NMC collected fine of mere Rs 3,200. The declining trend points at the deviation of NMC’s focus from action against offenders as days of COVID-19 pandemic go by. It seems the authorities have forgotten the important lessons learnt during the days of the pandemic. The result of this negligence was felt last year when the city faced an unprecedented outbreak of Chikungunya. The reason for this negligence can also be traced to the lack of manpower with the Nuisance Detection Squad as revealed by the NMC data. Out of 201 approved positions, only 116 positions are filled, leaving 85 positions vacant. The stark decline in enforcement actions and fine collection by Nagpur’s NDS, coupled with the city’s poor Swachh Survekshan results, underscores a critical lapse in civic discipline. With significant manpower shortages and a clear reduction in focus, the NMC risks reversing any progress made during the pandemic. Urgent intervention is needed to revitalise enforcement efforts, address staffing deficiencies, and reignite public awareness to prevent further deterioration of Nagpur’s cleanliness and public health.