Heavy fine proposed for dumping waste in open

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 16

To ensure compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and for effective management of solid waste in the state, the Local Bodies Department has proposed a heavy fine for dumping waste in the public area in the newly drafted Punjab Model Solid Waste (Management) and Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws, 2018.

According to the new proposed draft, a person can be fined from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 for violating the rules. Even disposal of cow dung in the public area will also invite a penalty of Rs 5,000.

The Local Bodies Department has asked the civic bodies to provide suggestions and comments on the draft in the next 30 days following which it will be notified.

While informing more, Dr Sri Krishan, assistant health officer, MC, said as per the new rules, the department would appoint nuisance detectors who would check the violation of the solid waste management rules in their respective areas.

“Even though the Solid Waste Management Act was notified in 2015, it was not implemented in full spirit till date due to lack of support from the public. Despite holding a number of awareness programmes, people have refused to comply with the provisions. However, the heavy fine proposed in the new rules will surely stop people from littering in the open,” said Dr Krishan.

He said it was also proposed that if someone breached these bylaws, cases could be filed as per the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Major fine proposed

A fine of Rs 2, 000 as per the Act will be imposed on those who will be found pasting posters, writing on walls, diminishing beauty of historically significant buildings/ property and public squares. If the violators spit and throw waste on roads from vehicles, he or she will be fined Rs 250.

If the shopkeeper throws blood, bones, feather, skin, egg shells and the other remains of dead animals/ birds in front of a butcher’s shop, he will have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000.

If hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, medical stores and laboratories litter roads, public places, pathways and footpath (non-hazardous), they will have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000.

If someone burns waste, the offender will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 and the same is done in case of bulk waste at dumping sites or at secondary waste collection points or other, the fine is Rs 20,000.

Major provisions

• Biomedical and industrial waste will not be mixed with urban solid waste and such waste will be collected as per specified bylaws. 
• The common biomedical waste-treatment facility will be availed for disposal of biomedical waste as per rules. Disposal of hazardous waste will be processed through the common bio-medical waste-treatment facility plant for prescribed charges.
• Stray animals will not be allowed to roam freely around waste dumps or at other places in the city; arrangements will have to be made for restraining them at authorised places only. 
• No one will collect or throw waste and muddy water, besides night soil, dung and excreta from his building, institution or commercial establishment to pollute the atmosphere.  
• Carrying charges will be levied on the spot for spreading such waste and a case can be filed against violators. 
• If a person is found spreading pollution or filth in public parks by throwing dead animal or its parts, it will be a punishable offence and carrying charges will also be levied.

Directions to waste generators 

• All resident welfare and market associations will ensure segregation of waste at the source of its generation.
• All gated communities and institutions with more than 5,000 sq m area will ensure segregation of waste at the source.
• Hotels, restaurants and big institutions generating biodegradable wastes such as plant leaves and waste food will ensure segregation of waste at the source. 
• Permanent or temporary sanitary toilets will be provided by the builder at construction sites, where workers carry debris.