Report litterbug, earn Rs 250: MC announces incentive for citizens

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has decided to rope in citizens to curb the menace of littering in public places. Any citizen, who uploads a video or a photograph of someone littering in public through the MC WhatsApp complaint number or ‘I’m Chandigarh’ mobile app, will be rewarded with Rs 250 after an on-ground verification by the field staff.

MC officials said WhatsApp number for filing littering complaints is 9915762917.

Once the photos or videos are verified, the individual will be challaned under the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules.

The MC aims to send a strong message that irresponsible disposal of waste will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In addition, the MC is launching an innovative deterrence measure — public shaming of habitual litterbugs. On being caught, the Sanitary Inspector concerned will collect the garbage thrown by the violator and place it at his or her residence.

The process will be documented through photographs and high-quality video footage. Further, ‘dholis’ and artistes performing ‘boliyan’ will accompany the MC team for public shaming of the violator, reinforcing the message: “Littering? Smile Please… You Are on Camera!” The recorded footage will be posted on MC’s official social media platforms.

MC Commissioner Amit Kumar has issued strict directions to all field staff to ensure zero-tolerance to littering. He stated that the MC will take the harshest permissible action against those who continue to defy cleanliness norms and that habitual violators will face repeated challans and intensified public shaming measures.

The Commissioner emphasised that keeping Chandigarh clean is not just a civic duty but also a legal obligation and no one will be spared for deliberate littering.

The Commissioner appealed to residents to avoid littering in public places, maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and actively support the city’s cleanliness drive.

He urged citizens to responsibly dispose of waste, follow segregation norms and join hands with MC in preserving Chandigarh’s reputation as one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the country.