Clean-up marshals must clean up act: Kalyan residents

KALYAN: ResidentsofKalyanhave alleged that the clean-up marshals deployed by Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) near station area, are chargingthemmorefineamount than what the authority has fixed.

Theyhavealsourgedthecivic bodytoplaceboardsmentioning fines for spitting, littering and open defecation in public places to curb littering as well as overcharging of fines.

The civic body deployed clean-up marshals around four monthsagotokeepawatchonlitter-bugs. However, residents have complained that clean-up marshalsoftenoverchargethem, as many do not know the exact fine amount.

“We have received several complaints from groups of citizens on this. However, if anyone has doubts about fines, they can approachKDMCheadquartersor wardoffices. Appropriateaction will be taken against erring officials,” said Umakant Gaikwad, deputy commissioner, KDMC.

Residents said KDMC should

take steps to educate the people on the revised fines.

“When one is caught littering the streets, the marshalsimpose a fine between ₹200 and ₹300, there’snosetamount,”saidMeenalSingh,33,aresidentofGandhi

Chowk area in Kalyan.

“It’s good that marshals have been deployed to keep our city clean. However, KDMC should place boards highlighting the properamountoffines,”saidVaibhav Kulkarni, 36, a resident of Khadakpada, Kalyan.

Some also alleged that clean-upmarshalsoftenvisitthe ST depot area, which doesn’t fall under KDMC jurisdiction.

Civic officials confirmed that marshalshavebeeninstructedto only cover KDMC areas.

“Marshalsarenotsupposedto bedeployedattherailwaystation area and ST depot at Kalyan. However,theywillkeepvigiloutside the station and ST depot,” said a KDMC official.

Clean-up marshals were hired four months ago. RISHIKESH CHOUDHARY