The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) has officially reinstated its rigorous enforcement campaign targeting the illegal disposal of waste into the Sidhwan Canal, issuing a stern warning to residents that spiritual or ritualistic excuses will no longer provide immunity from substantial penalties. This renewed initiative comes as authorities confront a troubling resurgence in pollution levels along this vital water body.
Special Teams Deployed for Surveillance
To effectively curb the recent spike in contamination, the municipal corporation has strategically deployed specialized monitoring teams along the canal banks within city limits. These teams are tasked with identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in unlawful dumping activities. Any violator caught disposing of waste now faces a mandatory fine of Rs5,000, a measure designed to serve as a strong deterrent against environmental negligence.
The Persistent Challenge of Ritualistic Offerings
Officials involved in the "Mission Clean Sidhwan Canal" have reported that the primary obstacle is not merely household garbage, but rather the widespread practice of ritualistic offerings. During enforcement operations, many offenders have attempted to justify their actions by claiming they were following the advice of priests or astrologers to resolve personal, marital, or professional dilemmas.
"People frequently present various excuses to evade responsibility, often asserting they only discarded dry flowers," explained one official on duty. "We have consistently advised them that these items can be composted at home, but such guidance is largely disregarded."
Strict Fining as the Sole Effective Deterrent
Despite the MC organizing a special meeting with local astrologers to discourage this harmful practice, officials have concluded that strict "challaning" or fining remains the only viable solution to ensure compliance. The enforcement drive originally originated from a November 2022 petition filed by city activists with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), highlighting the urgent need for action.
Last year alone, authorities issued more than 1,500 fines for polluting the canal. However, waste dumping activities, which were temporarily suspended during recent byelections, have now fully resumed, prompting the MC to reactivate its enforcement measures with renewed vigor.
End of Leniency Period
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon, who leads the enforcement initiative, emphasized that the period of leniency has conclusively ended. "I earnestly appeal to residents to refrain from making these mistakes," Sekhon stated. "We will not accept any excuses. If you are caught violating the rules, you will undoubtedly face a challan."
The MC first launched this cleanliness campaign at major canal bridges in January 2023. While officials acknowledge encountering significant public resentment during enforcement activities, they firmly maintain that the drive is essential to prevent the Sidhwan Canal from deteriorating into a landfill, thereby safeguarding both environmental health and public welfare.
