Amritsar MC acts tough against its own official, issues challan to Superintendent

Even as the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has issued challans to the owners of over 985 vacant plots in the city, where it had found garbage dumped, in a first of its kind, it has taken action against one of its own official as waste heaps were found at a plot owned by Property Wing Superintendent Pradeep Rajput.

MC Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh had earlier made it clear that no one will be spared if garbage is found at empty plots, regardless of their position or influence. By taking action against its own official, the MC seems to have sent a warning to all.

The notice sent to Rajput not only mentions a fine but also warns him of further action if the situation is not rectified. The accumulation of garbage on empty plots has been a growing concern in the city, with fears of the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

In a drive initiated a fortnight ago, the MC had started issuing challans to the owners of vacant plots, where garbage was found. A visit to various areas of the city would reveal that most of the vacant plots in residential and commercial areas have turned into waste dumps.

As per the new MC orders, it is the duty of the plot owners to ensure that their properties are not used for waste dumping. Apart from being an eyesore, the vacant plots filled with garbage are also a nuisance for nearby residents as the rotting waste stinks, especially during the rainy season.

Acting tough to ensure cleanliness, the MC had recently also imposed a fine of Rs 16,832 on the management of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) for garbage accumulation o0n the hospital premises. The MC has sent notices to 985 plot owners so far with fines being imposed as per the regulations.

MC Property Wing Superintendent Pradeep Rajput has acknowledged the issue and stated that the plot is far from his house and was cleaned a few days ago. However, he admits that people living nearby might be throwing garbage there. He has promised to get the garbage removed from the plot again soon.

The MC’s efforts to enforce cleanliness regulations are expected to have a positive impact on public health and sanitation in the city.