The Municipal Corporation of Bathinda, in its first General House meeting held on Wednesday, unanimously approved stringent penalties to curb illegal dumping of construction debris and the abandonment of cattle within the city limits. The decisions aim to improve civic cleanliness and restore the city's aesthetic appeal.
Penalties for Cattle Abandonment and Debris Dumping
The House decided to impose a fine of Rs 1 lakh and seize the vehicles of those found abandoning cattle within the city limits. Additionally, a penalty of Rs 25,000 has been approved for owners of vehicles caught dumping construction debris along roadsides or at unauthorized spots, along with impounding their vehicles.
After the meeting, Mayor Padamjeet Singh Mehta said the decisions would help restore the city’s beauty and improve civic cleanliness. “It was observed that some people were dumping debris wherever they wished, creating inconvenience for residents and affecting the city’s appearance,” he said.
Councilor Suggests Phased Increase in Penalties
Independent councillor Harpal Singh claimed that he suggested the penalty for dumping construction debris along roadsides be increased in a phased manner, indicating a long-term strategy to deter such violations.
Development Projects Worth Rs 125 Crore Approved
All 18 agenda items tabled in the meeting were unanimously approved, clearing development projects worth around Rs 125 crore. The approved works include roads, sewerage, drinking water supply, parks, sanitation, and other urban infrastructure projects.
The House also approved the setting up of the Municipal Corporation’s own petrol pump, a move expected to generate revenue for the civic body and ensure fuel supply for its vehicles.
