The BMC has launched a 'Garbage-Free Hours' initiative from 11 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday, for 55 weeks starting from Wednesday. The drive targets high-footfall areas such as railway station surroundings, religious places, marketplaces, commercial areas, tourist spots, crowded areas and food streets. The civic body has also warned a stringent penal actions against those who fail to follow these guidelines or violate the rules. 

A preparatory meeting for this campaign was held at BMC Headquarters on Tuesday chaired by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. "The campaign will focus on cleaning food street areas in office and tourist-heavy zones of Mumbai. These areas will receive special attention, with efforts to maintain cleanliness. After the drive, instructions will be given to ensure ongoing cleanliness, and strict penalties will be enforced for non-compliance," said Joshi. The Solid Waste Management (SWM) department, along with celebrities, NGOs, NSS volunteers, RWAs, ALMs, and housing society representatives, will actively participate in the effort to promote cleanliness across the city.

Kiran Dighavkar, deputy Commissioner (SWM) outlined that the schedule for the "Garbage-Free Hour" will be set by engineers, with staff equipped for the task. The drive will begin at 11 AM, focusing on removing dust, cleaning waterlogged areas, and washing roads and footpath. Neglected waste, construction debris, and abandoned vehicles will be prioritised for collection, with documentation and disposal of unwanted materials. Areas with dust, graffiti, or waste will be cleaned, and public toilets will be maintained. Marshals will be deployed, and penalties will be enforced for violations. Awareness will be raised through street plays and other folk performances."