Civic body issues over 1,000 challans for littering across Amritsar

The Municipal Corporation (MC) has intensified its cleanliness enforcement drive across the city, issuing more than 1,000 challans in the past month for littering, poor waste management, and violations related to vacant plots. Officials say the action is part of a sustained drive to improve sanitation and curb civic indiscipline.

According to the consolidated report from all zones, a total of 1,022 challans have been issued till November 27 for violations related to vacant plots, unhygienic conditions, littering, and improper waste disposal.

The West Zone recorded the highest number of challans at 308, followed by Central Zone with 220, South Zone with 182, East Zone with 170, and North Zone with 142.

MC health wing officials said, “Street vendors continue to be among the major contributors to roadside waste, often leaving behind garbage at vending spots. Vacant plots, many left unattended by their owners, have turned into informal dumping grounds, prompting the Corporation to specifically target such properties in its ongoing cleanliness enforcement campaign.”

Acting on the directions of Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill, Additional Commissioner Surinder Singh conducted a surprise inspection inside Lohgarh Gate area on Wednesday. The visit aimed to assess cleanliness, road discipline, and overall civic management in one of the city’s busiest heritage localities.

During the inspection, the Additional Commissioner issued strict warnings against nuisance, littering, and encroachments on public pathways. Shopkeepers, vendors, and residents were instructed to maintain hygiene and ensure that no illegal occupation obstructs the movement of pedestrians or traffic. He reiterated that strict action under the Municipal Corporation Act would be taken against violators. Fourteen challans were issued in the Central Zone during the visit alone.

Giving more information, Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill said, “The ongoing action is essential to break the growing culture of civic negligence. Despite repeated awareness campaigns, many residents continue to dump garbage in open spaces or abandon waste outside collection hours.”

Shergill further said, “While enforcement is being tightened, the MC is simultaneously upgrading waste collection systems. Additional vehicles and manpower are being deployed to improve door-to-door collection and reduce delays that often compel people to dump waste in open plots.”

He urged all plot owners to maintain cleanliness on their properties and comply with the waste management norms. The Municipal Corporation has announced that strict monitoring will continue across all zones, with more inspections planned in dense commercial areas and vulnerable residential pockets. Civic officials have appealed to citizens to support the drive and help keep Amritsar clean, disciplined, and free of encroachments.