Civic body halts ‘public shaming’ of litterbugs

The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has put on hold its decision to publicly shame individuals who litter city roads. The move was deferred following widespread criticism from opposition councillors.

The order has been put on hold on the directions of Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla. She said shaming residents was not appropriate, although the challan drive against littering would continue.

Recently, two Manimajra residents were publicly shamed by MC sanitation staff with dhols. Accompanied by traditional dhol-nagara, officials visited the homes of those caught littering. The officials confronted them and handed back the garbage they had thrown and issued challans of Rs 13,401 each on the spot. To encourage public participation, the MC has also decided to reward informants with Rs 250 for every verified report.

Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty has strongly opposed the move to beat drums outside the houses of people who throw garbage on roads and public places.