LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to impose fines for littering, specifically for throwing garbage outside houses, shops, or on the roads.
“The purpose of these fines is not to generate revenue but to encourage reform,” said Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique while chairing a meeting on Saturday to review the ongoing collection of sanitation fees and to develop a mechanism for penalising littering. Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Arshad Baig and Suthra Punjab Authority Director General Babar Sahib Din were also present.
During the meeting, the Minister instructed the Suthra Punjab Authority DG to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign against littering, which will include setting up awareness camps in various locations and a social media campaign. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a self-sustaining sanitation system, which is one of the largest in the world. He mentioned that a modest fee is charged for quality sanitation services, with a minimum monthly fee of Rs 200 in rural areas and Rs 300 in urban areas. However, the rates for commercial units differ.
He noted that sanitation fees have been collected in several areas and that the payment rate among citizens is encouraging. “The collection of sanitation fees will be fully digital,” he added.
He highlighted that in a short period, Suthra Punjab has implemented several exemplary measures; control has now shifted from the division level to the district level, which is expected to enhance efficiency. The Deputy Commissioners and officers of the Suthra Punjab Authority will carry out government instructions.
The Punjab Local Government Secretary also directed the Suthra Punjab DG to promptly activate the Authority and mentioned that staff from dissolved waste management companies will be integrated into the new Authority. “Survey work for the sanitation fee will be completed soon, and the process for paying the fee has been made simpler,” he concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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