Chandigarh, Nov 16: Seeking to protect its long-held reputation for cleanliness, the Chandigarh municipal corporation has unveiled a striking new campaign that blends enforcement with public spectacle. The message is unambiguous: those who litter will be seen, identified and held accountable—loudly.
Under the initiative, anyone caught littering will have their waste formally returned to them. Sanitary inspectors will collect the dumped trash, carry it to the violator’s home and document the entire journey on camera before issuing a challan. Officials say the visual trail of the violation is intended to create a strong, memorable deterrent.
For those who repeatedly litter, the consequences escalate. Enforcement teams will arrive at the violator’s doorstep with dhol players and artistes performing lively boliyan, turning the act of public shaming into a dramatic community message. The videos will later be uploaded to the MC’s social media platforms, broadening the circle of accountability.
Residents have been invited to participate actively. A ₹250 reward will be given to anyone who submits a verified photo or video of a littering incident through the MC’s WhatsApp helpline or the ‘I’m Chandigarh’ mobile app. Field staff will verify the material before the cash incentive is disbursed, and the identified violator will be immediately challaned under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
MC commissioner Amit Kumar said the civic body will adopt the strictest measures permitted under the law. “No deliberate littering will be excused. Keeping Chandigarh clean is not just etiquette—it is a civic obligation,” he said, warning that habitual offenders will face repeated penalties and intensified shaming.
Kumar appealed to residents to support the campaign by maintaining clean surroundings, segregating waste at home and showing zero tolerance for irresponsible disposal. He said the city’s cleanliness depends on shared responsibility, not just enforcement.
How to report a litterbug
Share a photo or video on WhatsApp 9915762917 or through the ‘I’m Chandigarh’ app to receive ₹250 after verification.
