Ahead of Durga Puja, the West Bengal government is set to launch the “Swachh App” on September 1 as part of a new cleanliness drive aimed at curbing littering and improving sanitation across the state’s
urban areas.
Under the initiative, police will be empowered to impose fines on people found littering roads and public spaces. Officials said the Urban Development Department will initially spend three months creating awareness among citizens and warning them against throwing garbage in public places.
The app will first be rolled out in municipalities currently being run by administrators, with 10 municipalities selected for the pilot phase. During the awareness period, authorities will educate residents about the new rules and encourage cleaner public behaviour.
After the three-month grace period ends, strict penalties will be enforced. People caught throwing garbage, chip packets, or spitting on roads will face fines. Public urination by men in open areas and on roads will also attract penalties under the new measures.
As part of the campaign, dustbins will be installed every 100 metres across West Bengal to improve waste disposal facilities and discourage littering in public spaces.
