Kolkata: The state urban development & municipal affairs dept has put a ban on open defecation, public urination, spitting in public places, littering, illegal dumping of waste and use of banned plastic bags in all municipalities, municipal corporations and notified areas across the state from Tuesday onwards.Fines ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200 will be imposed for violating the order. The authorities including minister Agnimitra Paul have been campaigning for the last few months to generate public awareness on the matter. The phase I of the ban was put into effect from July 1 for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik.The govt has been urging citizens to keep public places clean and use designated toilets and waste disposal facilities.“It’s a continuous process and a lot of work is yet to be done. Dustbins are being installed across civic body areas. Conservancy workers will be enforcing the ban on open defecation, littering and spitting in public places. We will also set up more public toilets and restrooms. We are starting the process to implement the ban from Tuesday,” state UD&MA dept minister Agnimitra Paul told TOI.According to the notice by the UD&MA dept that was issued on June 22 this year, open defecation and urination in public places will attract a fine of Rs 200. The same amount will be imposed for littering, illegal dumping of waste and carrying banned plastic bags. A fine of Rs 100 will be imposed for spitting in public places.“The conservancy workers will carry machines to collect spot fines through digital mode if anybody violates the order. We will also be taking help from the cops to keep vigilance,” Paul said.It has been instructed that all fines will be collected through digital mode by officials authorised by the concerned civic bodies. No cash collection will be permitted. The authorities are also working on plans to introduce night parking fees and strict fines for vehicles parked illegally on roads or pavements. The civic authorities are also installing vending machines for eco-friendly carry bags in the local markets.
