Taking a proactive step towards a cleaner city, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal has today issued DC Office Action helpline WhatsApp number 96462-22555 for the public to report complaints related to garbage dumping at vacant plots. Citizens can now send the location, address, and pictures of plots where garbage heaps are lying, following which the concerned authorities will take necessary action, he added.
Dr. Aggarwal further informed that people seeking assistance from the administration to clean their vacant properties can also share the location and address on this helpline number, ensuring timely help.
Divulging details, the DC stated that the Jalandhar Administration had earlier issued orders to clear garbage heaps from vacant plots across the district with a deadline of July 10, 2025. Plot owners were also directed to construct boundary walls or fencing to prevent illegal waste dumping. As the deadline has now passed, the administration has started taking action against violators who failed to clean their plots. Over 150 challans have been issued, and more than 300 show-cause notices have been served to plot owners. Additionally, a penalty of Rs. 25,000 was imposed on a plot owner as the cost incurred by the Municipal Corporation for removing garbage from his property.
Dr. Aggarwal warned that if any plot owner fails to deposit the cost, a red entry will be made in the revenue records. Further, legal action under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 will be taken alongside penalties.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that these measures are being taken in the public interest to protect residents from diseases, particularly during the ongoing rainy season when the risk of vector-borne diseases is high. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring a clean environment and safeguarding public health in Jalandhar.
The Deputy Commissioner further said that residents can also submit their any kinds of complaints, which will be reviewed and addressed promptly by the concerned officials.