The Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) collected a whopping Rs 5.51 crore fine against 45,176 cases from citizens for various civic violations in the year 2025. Highest overall offences were recorded in Laxmi Nagar Zone, where 5,891 cases brought in fines of Rs 82,63,400. As per the data shared by NMC, from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the NDS collected fines while acting against 30 different categories of offences, including littering, spitting, use of banned single-use plastics (SUP), dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, improper disposal of bio-medical waste, unauthorised public structures, among several similar offences. Illegal dumping of C&D waste on roads and public areas particularly in a manner that caused obstruction and inconvenience, accounted for a significant share of the total fines.

 

After issuing a mandatory 48-hour notice, individuals were fined Rs 2,000 per day and builders Rs 10,000 per day for non-compliance. During last year, individuals were fined a total of Rs 1.78 crore for 8,921 offences while builders and developers were fined Rs 46.90 lakh for 469 offences. The highest number of offences for both builders and individuals were both recorded in the Lakshmi Nagar Zone. NDC collected a fine of Rs 1.72 crore against 15,839 cases of illegally or improperly setting up pandals for functions in city last year. This figure includes penalties for related offences as well, making it one of the highest fine-generating categories in 2025. The highest number of fines in this category were recorded in Dharampeth Zone, with a total fine collection of Rs 31.20 lakhs for 2404 offences. Another major contributor to the annual fine collection was the use of single-use plastics (SUP) banned in Maharashtra under Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

 

As per norms, the penalty imposed on shopkeepers for the first offence is Rs 5,000; second offence Rs 10,000; and third offence Rs 25,000. In 2025, the NDS recorded 638 offences related to SUP usage, resulting in fines amounting to Rs 31.95 lakh. The highest number of offences in this segment were recorded in the Gandhibagh Zone, and fines amounting to Rs 14.55 lakh were collected for 291 cases. Cleanliness-related violations by street vendors, hawkers, cigarette stall owners, and vegetable vendors also featured prominently in the data. Fines imposed for dirtying surroundings and failing to maintain hygiene in vending areas amounted to Rs 27.98 lakh over the year for 6,994 offences. Virsen Tambe, Head, NDS, stated “Citizens must be mindful while using public spaces and remember that the city belongs to everyone.

 

Responsible behaviour and strict adherence to waste disposal rules are essential to maintain cleanliness, order, and a healthier environment, and this cannot be achieved without the participation of all citizens.” The data highlights a pressing need for stronger civic sense among individuals. Many violations like littering, spitting, installing pandals in a way that causes inconvenience to others, stem from routine habits and casual disregard for public spaces, suggesting that penalties alone cannot ensure compliance. Sustained behavioural change, supported by civic education and community participation, is essential if enforcement actions are to translate into cleaner, safer, and more orderly public spaces rather than remain a reactive measure.