MUMBAI: Unwilling to tolerate dog poop littered on civic roads any longer, the BMC in its special drive held this month has penalised 124 persons so far. Each was fined Rs 500 after it was found that they allowed their pet to litter on roads, footpaths and promenades and did not bother to scoop and dispose it of.The highest number of pet walkers (24) was penalised in the H west ward -Bandra, Khar, Santacruz-followed by Dadar-Mahim belt (G North) where 22 people were penalised. In the tony parts of the city-Napensea Road, Breach Candy and Malabar Hill (D ward)-21 people were fined.BMC officials started the drive on December 3 at the instructions of municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta over the increasing problem of dog poop being found on city roads.The municipality had put out a circular stating that "dog owners must carry a poop scooper while taking their dog for a walk"."Initially, we explained to pet owners and dog walkers about rules and that they cannot leave their pet's poop on the streets. But since there was no effect, we started penalizing them," said a civic official.Citizen activists lauded the move. "I too am a pet lover, but believe it's the owner's responsibility to ensure their pets don't leave the streets in a mess. Often, in affluent areas, a house help walks dogs and does not clear the poop. Today poop scoopers are easily available in the market and are convenient to use . So, there is no reason for pet owners not to clean their pet's poop," said activist Indrani Malkani, a resident of Malabar Hill. "BMC must provide separate bins for dog poop so that it does not get mixed up regular waste."Bandra corporator Asif Zakaria said he regularly receives complaints of pet poop not being cleared from pavements. "While awareness in such cases is required, this civic sense has to be inculcated by people themselves. Pet owners must realize it's wrong to leave their pet poop in public places."