Varanasi Cracks Down on Litter: Spot Fines Up to ₹1,000 to Keep Kashi Clean

VARANASI – In a significant push to elevate the spiritual capital’s cleanliness standards, the Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VMC) has officially implemented a new penalty structure targeting public littering and spitting. Under the revised Uttar Pradesh Solid Waste Management and Sanitation Rules, offenders now face on-the-spot fines of up to ₹1,000, marking a strict era of enforcement for the city's hygiene.The initiative, part of the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), aims to protect the sanctity and aesthetics of Varanasi’s iconic streets, historic ghats, and public parks.The New Penalty Slab at a GlanceThe VMC has replaced its old penalty book with a more rigorous list of 33 sanitation offenses. Key fines include:OffenseFine AmountLittering or spitting from a moving vehicle₹1,000Dumping waste in rivers (Ganga), drains, or sewers₹750Littering near hospitals, schools, or religious sites₹750Littering in public parks, roads, or open plots₹500Pet owners failing to clean up animal waste₹500Spitting in public or feeding strays irresponsibly₹250

The highest penalty of ₹5,000 is reserved for creating severe unsanitary conditions or water stagnation that poses a public health risk.

A Vision for a "Five-Star" City Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal stated that these measures are crucial for Varanasi's goal of achieving a Five-Star Garbage-Free City (GFC) rating in 2026. As of February 2026, the city has already closed 21 out of 27 major open garbage collection points, replacing them with modern Portable Compactor Transfer Stations (PCTS).

"Kashi’s cleanliness should be exemplary. We are moving beyond paperwork to rigorous ground-level enforcement," noted Urban Development Minister AK Sharma during a recent review.

Enforcement and Civic Responsibility Sanitation inspectors and health officers have been empowered to take suo motu action, meaning they can issue challans immediately upon witnessing a violation. For repeat offenders, the VMC has warned of even stricter consequences, including the possibility of filing FIRs.

Authorities are urging residents and pilgrims alike to:

Use designated bins for all waste.

Carry tissues or spittoons to avoid defacing walls and streets.

Segregate waste into wet and dry categories at the source.

By combining strict enforcement with modern infrastructure, Varanasi seeks to preserve its heritage while becoming a model of urban sanitation.