Jalandhar: In a bid to keep the city cleaner and curb public littering, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation will begin imposing immediate fines on those caught throwing garbage on streets, starting August 15.
As part of the initiative, the Corporation has procured 10 Point of Sale (POS) machines to enable inspectors from the Health Branch to collect penalties on the spot. Anyone found violating cleanliness norms will be fined Rs 500 under the Solid Waste Management Act, 2016. Receipts will be generated instantly through the machines, addressing past concerns about fake challans.
Jalandhar Mayor Vaneet Dhir and Corporation Commissioner Gautam Jain will jointly inaugurate the campaign, which will be implemented simultaneously across all city zones. The move falls under the supervision of the High Court’s monitoring committee, following directions from the Supreme Court, and will be observed directly by High Court judges.
For those unable to pay immediately, a seven-day grace period will be given to settle dues at the Corporation’s office. If payment is not made within the deadline, the matter will be forwarded to the civil court.
Currently, the Corporation charges between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 for dumping commercial waste at designated sites. Bulk waste generators are also required to process their own garbage, with violators already under watch.
Officials hope the new technology-driven system will close loopholes, enforce stricter compliance, and ultimately foster a cleaner, more responsible urban environment.
