The BMC on Friday announced that it has put its plans to appoint clean-up marshals on the backburner. Instead, the civic body is planning to appoint 5,000 swachhata doots to raise awareness among Mumbaikars first. This came after mid-day on December 16 reported that the civic body was considering bringing back clean-up marshals, who have been heavily criticised by the citizens for alleged extortion. Swachhata doots will not have power to penalise people for littering or spitting. 

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Friday held a meeting with additional commissioners and heads of civic departments on Friday and announced the appointment of swachhata doots. There will be no provision of penalising citizens and the emphasis will be on raising awareness about importance of cleanliness.