Guwahati: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has deployed six spot‑fine squads across the city to curb littering, illegal dumping and other sanitation violations. Each squad, equipped with a dedicated vehicle, will patrol one of GMC’s six administrative divisions to monitor civic compliance and impose fines on offenders.GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said the squads, operating in blue-and-white vehicles, comprise sanitary inspectors, assistant sanitary inspectors and GMC police personnel. The squads will function under the supervision of the executive engineers of their respective divisions, while the additional commissioner will monitor the overall exercise.“The deployment is aimed at intensifying field-level monitoring and ensuring action against violations related to public sanitation, waste disposal and public hygiene. The squads will conduct inspections within their respective jurisdictions and impose fines on people or establishments found violating the norms,” the mayor said.Sarania said the spot-fine squads were formed after the civic body introduced fines for various violations. Under the provision, public spitting attracts a penalty of Rs 300, while littering, public urination, illegal dumping of waste and the use of banned plastic items can attract fines of Rs 500. Dumping construction waste attracts a penalty of Rs 2,000, while the disposal of chemical waste can draw a fine of Rs 5,000. Blocking natural drainage channels carries a penalty of up to Rs 25,000.The initiative comes as the civic body seeks to improve sanitation and discourage practices that contribute to garbage accumulation, drain blockages and unhygienic public spaces.GMC officials said the success of the enforcement drive would depend on regular and consistent monitoring across all six divisions. The number of challans issued, the amount collected and the action taken against repeat offenders will indicate whether the deployment is leading to sustained improvements in compliance with civic regulations.
