Tightening the noose around 12 negligent plot owners, the Jalandhar District Administration has imposed penalties worth Rs. three lakh against those failing to clear garbage from their vacant plots. Chairing a review meeting with officials, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal revealed that the administration has so far received 440 complaints on the DC Office Action Helpline, following which notices have been issued to all 440 plot owners. He added that red entries have already been made in 12 cases where owners failed to comply with the directions.
Dr. Aggarwal appealed to residents to actively support this campaign by sharing pictures, precise location, and a short note about garbage collection in vacant plots through the WhatsApp helpline number 9646-222-555. He clarified that this number is strictly meant for WhatsApp messages and not for phone calls. Furthermore, garbage was removed from 111 vacant plots in the district.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to make Punjab the cleanest state in the country, Dr. Aggarwal said that the campaign to clean vacant plots has gained momentum, with more than 440 notices already issued so far. He warned that failure to maintain cleanliness would not only attract fines but also lead to legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023, Environment (Protection) Act, Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, and Solid Waste Management Rules.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed progress on other civic issues, including stray cattle and dangling wires in the district. He also informed that shifting of 64 stray cattle to shelters was ensured after 37 complaints were recieved on Action Helpline. More stray cattle will be shifting after enhancing capacity of cattle pound in coming days. He instructed PSPCL to impose penalties on telecom companies laying illegal wires and directed officials to remove unused lines promptly.
DC issues show-cause notices to erring officials
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today issued show-cause notices to officials for failing to perform their duties assigned under the Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission, while underlining the significance of this unique initiative launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Dr. Aggarwal said that all officials must regularly visit their adopted road stretches and submit suggestions to improve conditions, with the mission of making Punjab a frontrunner in terms of clean and well-maintained roads.
The Deputy Commissioner further cautioned that strict action will be taken against those who fail to visit their assigned roads or submit improvement proposals in coordination with concerned departments for timely implementation.