Chandigarh, March 12: Residents of Chandigarh who are unable to pay fines for littering or illegal waste dumping can now choose to serve the city through physical sanitation work. The Municipal Corporation (MC) has introduced this community service alternative to ensure that enforcement of waste management rules remains strict while remaining accessible to those facing personal or financial hardships.
The process requires violators to work under the direct supervision of sanitary inspectors, performing tasks tailored to the city’s immediate needs. Officials affirmed that the duration and nature of the work are strictly regulated to ensure it matches the severity of the violation. A resident from Sector 25 recently completed duties at the local slaughterhouse to settle a challan of ₹13,401, marking one of the first successful applications of the policy.
“The request for relaxation or compounding will be considered only after authorities are satisfied with the sincerity and quality of the service,” Commissioner Amit Kumar declared. He stated that the initiative aims to promote responsible civic behavior and ensure that the burden of unpaid challans does not hinder the city’s cleanliness goals. He further noted that the reports on these activities are forwarded to competent authorities for final legal approval.
The MC has maintained that strict implementation of solid waste management rules remains a priority. Authorities declared that while the community service option provides a constructive path for violators, illegal dumping will continue to attract stringent monitoring. The program is expected to reduce administrative backlogs and provide additional support to the city’s dedicated sanitation workforce.
