Kolkata, September 01, 2026 :West Bengal has stepped up its cleanliness drive with stricter enforcement of civic rules from September 1. The new measures will apply across municipal corporations, municipalities and notified areas of the state, with authorities instructed to ensure that residents follow basic public hygiene and cleanliness norms.
The state government had spent the July-August period focusing on public awareness and encouraging people to keep roads and public spaces clean. With that awareness phase now over, enforcement of the rules has begun.
West Bengal Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Agnimitra Paul has repeatedly urged people to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in public spaces. During the awareness campaign, the minister was seen participating in cleanliness activities, distributing dustbins and visiting shops and markets to spread the message.
Under the new enforcement measures, people may be fined for spitting in public places, littering, using banned plastic carry bags and urinating or defecating in public areas.
Instructions issued to districts
The state government has sent guidelines to district magistrates, asking them to communicate the cleanliness rules to the public and ensure their implementation at the local level.
The campaign will promote the message: “Do not litter. Do not spit in public places, streets, hospitals, etc. Keep Bengal clean.”
Authorities have also been asked to keep a close watch on locations where cleanliness violations are likely to occur. These include roads, drains and sewers, water bodies, markets, hospitals, educational institutions, religious places and government buildings.
The objective is to strengthen civic responsibility and ensure that public spaces across Bengal remain cleaner and more hygienic.
What are the fines?
According to the guidelines, the penalties for different violations are:
- Spitting in a public place: ₹100 per violation
- Public urination or defecation: ₹200
- Littering: ₹200
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Use of banned plastic carry bags: ₹200
The authorities will not collect these spot fines in cash. Officials authorised to impose penalties will collect the amount through digital or online payment methods.
The public will also be able to report cleanliness-related violations through the designated app.
With the enforcement phase beginning from September 1, the state government is now shifting its focus from awareness to action, aiming to encourage greater public participation in keeping Bengal clean.
