Defacement of property: DC asks officials to book violators

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Friday issued stringent directives to address the incidents of defacement across Ludhiana, violating the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1997. He ordered immediate action to restore the city’s aesthetics and uphold public order.

The order mandates the Municipal Corporation office to ensure the prompt removal of all unauthorised defacement, including posters, graffiti, banners and wall writings. A dedicated team, under the command of a nodal officer, will be constituted within 48 hours to undertake ward-wise monitoring and cleaning operations. Weekly status reports detailing cleaned locations, new cases identified and actions taken must be submitted every Monday. Any failure to comply will attract action against the nodal officer.

The police has been directed to enforce the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1997, and initiate legal action against offenders under relevant sections. FIRs will be registered against individuals or organisations responsible for such defacement. Adequate patrolling and surveillance measures, especially near public infrastructure, government offices, flyovers and high-visibility areas, are to be intensified. Police stations must maintain records of defacement cases and submit weekly compliance reports.

The community engagement and awareness drives will be launched in schools, colleges, marketplaces and other public areas.

Jain also stated that defacement tarnished the city’s beauty and disrupted public order. He urged citizens to co-operate and report violations.