Dhols and Debris: Chandigarh's Unconventional Fight Against Littering
In a bold move that blended public shaming with musical fanfare, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation turned the tables on two littering families in Manimajra. Instead of a quiet penalty, officials arrived at their doorsteps accompanied by the booming sound of dhol-nagaras to return the very garbage they had illegally dumped and issue hefty fines.
The 'Name-and-Shame' Operation Unfolds
The incident occurred on Monday, November 17, 2025, marking the civic body's first official "name-and-shame" initiative. The drive was initiated not by officials, but by vigilant neighbours. Residents filmed the offenders tossing rubbish in open spaces and shared the evidence on the MC's widely publicised WhatsApp number.
One video showed a neighbour throwing garbage at a public place, while another clip captured a man discreetly dropping a packed bundle of waste. This citizen-supplied evidence became the foundation for the action. Sanitary Inspector Davinder Rohilla, who led the operation, stated that the approach aims to instil a sense of responsibility and deliver a dose of embarrassment to habitual violators.
Confrontation with a Musical Score
Armed with the proof and a team of drummers, enforcement staff marched to the homes of the two offenders in Ward 5 (Mori Gate) and Ward 6 (Gobindpura) of Manimajra. In a public spectacle, they confronted the residents, returned the dumped trash to them, and issued on-the-spot penalties of Rs 13,401 each.
The campaign encourages a continued partnership with residents. People are urged to:
- Photograph littering incidents
- Upload the images and location on the Municipal Corporation app
- Let the civic staff take over after verification
To boost participation, the MC is offering an incentive of Rs 250 to anyone whose report is verified and leads to action.
Mixed Reactions and a Determined Civic Body
While the initiative has been met with enthusiasm from many Manimajra residents, who are now more "vigilant and technologically empowered," it has also faced criticism. Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Bunty publicly condemned the public-shaming model.
"Don't embarrass people; tell them quietly not to throw garbage in the open," Bunty argued. "If we want Chandigarh to climb higher in cleanliness rankings, this is not the way. I condemn the decision to go to their homes with dhol-nagaras. Officials should simply advise them politely."
Despite the criticism, the civic body appears determined to maintain its strict stance. With Safai Mitras also joining the drive, the MC is pushing to make Chandigarh cleaner, especially in the run-up to national cleanliness rankings. The clear message to residents is to use only designated collection vehicles and segregate waste properly, with the warning that "the public is alert now, and strict penalties will follow."
