West Bengal’s new civic rules come into effect from today. The stricter measures provide for fines for spitting, littering, public urination and open defecation.
Penalties will also be imposed for using banned plastic bags, illegal dumping of waste and keeping construction materials on public roads.
The new rules also target illegal parking and encroachment, while charges will be introduced for night-time roadside parking in urban areas.
The state government says the measures are aimed at improving cleanliness, sanitation and civic discipline.
State Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Dept Minister Agnimitra Paul said that the sole aim of this move is to make public spaces cleaner and enforcing greater civic discipline.