The Punjab government has announced a province-wide crackdown on littering, set to take effect from January 1, with strict punishments aimed at improving public health and protecting the environment.
Authorities said violators will face fines and jail terms for burning or dumping garbage in public spaces, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance policy against environmental pollution across cities and towns.
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Burning general garbage will carry fines of up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, while burning tires could result in fines of Rs500,000 and jail terms of up to seven years.
Fines will also apply for other forms of littering. Throwing garbage outside homes, shops, or factories will attract Rs25,000, dumping waste in drains Rs10,000, and throwing animal remains Rs50,000, officials added.
To enforce the rules, the Punjab Authority for Suthra Punjab has formed dedicated teams that will monitor streets, neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones for violations starting January 1.
Officials urged citizens to cooperate, adopt responsible waste disposal practices, and avoid fines, emphasizing that the crackdown is part of a broader initiative to keep Punjab clean and environmentally safe.