Feeding stray animals in Varanasi may now attract penalties — part of a sweeping sanitation drive launched by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) to enforce stricter cleanliness and civic discipline across the city.
Under the newly-enforced Uttar Pradesh Solid Waste Management and Sanitation Rules, 2021, residents can face fines of up to ₹1,000 for violations ranging from spitting to improper waste disposal.
As per the guidelines, spitting in public will result in a fine of ₹250, while those found throwing waste from vehicles will be penalized ₹1,000. Leaving food for stray dogs or cows on roads and pavements will incur a penalty of ₹250.
Similarly, failing to clean up pet waste in public areas will invite a ₹500 fine. Dumping animal remains in water bodies, drains, or sewers will lead to a fine of ₹750.
Improper storage of garbage for more than 24 hours, littering in public areas such as streets and parks, and transporting waste in uncovered vehicles will also attract strict penalties — up to ₹2,000 for damage to municipal property.
The highest fine of ₹5,000 will be imposed for allowing water stagnation or creating conditions hazardous to public health.
The initiative, aimed at elevating hygiene standards in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, has already received widespread public appreciation.
Former Prayagraj Municipal Commissioner Badal Chatterjee praised the move and emphasized that the government would earn even greater applause if similar measures were enforced in other major cities of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Kanpur, Agra, and Aligarh.
“I had started penalizing those urinating in public when I served as Municipal Commissioner in Kanpur, and citizens welcomed it,” he recalled.
However, Chatterjee also pointed out infrastructural gaps: “Prayagraj still lacks sufficient public toilets compared to the size of the city.” Nearly every town in UP lacks this facility.
Another retired civil servant echoed the sentiment, welcoming Varanasi’s decision but stressing that the policy must extend to all towns in the state that continue to struggle with poor sanitation and hygiene.
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