
PNB fined ₹13,500 by Chandigarh MC for littering
Chandigarh MC imposes ₹13,500 fine on PNB for littering outside branch
In a strong action against littering, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has fined Punjab National Bank (PNB) ₹13,500 after its Sector 17 branch was found dumping garbage in an open area. This garbage included clearly identifiable bank documents, which made it easy for officials to trace the source of the waste.
According to MC officials, a routine inspection was being carried out in Sector 17-B on July 2, 2025. During this inspection, MC teams discovered heaps of garbage outside the PNB branch. Upon checking the waste, they found slips and documents belonging to the bank, confirming that it had been dumped by PNB’s branch staff.
Officials revealed that this was not the first time the bank was caught dumping waste in the open. Despite being warned earlier, the branch had continued to ignore waste management rules. As a result, the MC acted quickly and issued a challan (fine) under the Solid Waste Management Rules.
Warning issued to all residents and institutions
Amit Kumar, the Municipal Commissioner of Chandigarh, has issued a strict warning to all commercial, institutional, and residential property holders in the city. He stated that no one will be spared if they are caught littering or violating cleanliness rules.
“Any form of littering or violation of cleanliness norms in public spaces will invite strict action. This action against PNB shows our strong commitment to keeping Chandigarh clean. We ask all citizens and institutions to act responsibly and follow the rules,” he said.
The MC is trying hard to maintain a cleaner and greener Chandigarh, and it needs full public cooperation to achieve this goal. Officials said that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and every person in the city must contribute.
Over 5,200 fines issued for littering this year
The MC has stepped up its drive against littering and poor waste disposal practices. From January 1 to April 30, 2025, it issued over 5,200 challans (fines) for such violations. That means nearly 1,200 fines are issued every month.
To identify violators, MC teams inspect the garbage carefully. Just like in the case of PNB, they search for any clues in the dumped waste that can help trace the origin. These inspections have been described as forensic-style investigations that help hold individuals and organisations accountable.
MC officials said that people often think they can dump waste without being caught, but the corporation has adopted clever methods to catch them.
Along with action against public littering, the MC is also being strict with households that don’t segregate garbage. People are supposed to separate their dry, wet, and sanitary waste, and put it into different bins.
Non-compliance leads to fines, and several residents have already been penalised. The MC believes that segregation at source is a key part of managing waste in the city.
Officials said that many people are still not following this basic rule, despite repeated awareness campaigns. They warned that regular checks will continue, and any house that fails to follow the rule will be fined.
Special action against plastic bags
The MC has also launched a strict campaign against the use of single-use plastic bags. This is part of the “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” (Plastic-Free Chandigarh) initiative.
Since the plastic ban came into effect on June 18, 2025, the MC has taken several strong steps:
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520 challans (fines) have been issued
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123 kilograms of banned plastic bags have been confiscated
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423 kilograms of compostable bags have been sold as an eco-friendly alternative
MC teams are visiting sensitive areas like markets, grocery shops, apni mandis (local fairs), and street vendors daily. They check for any use or sale of banned plastic carry bags.
MC Commissioner Amit Kumar has now ordered officials to trace the supply chain of plastic bags that are still making their way into Chandigarh. He has asked the teams to find out who is selling or supplying these banned items and take strict legal action.
“Traders and shopkeepers must stop using or selling plastic bags. If caught, they may face heavy penalties, seizure of goods, and in serious cases, even temporary or permanent closure of their business,” he said.
The MC is determined to stop the plastic bag problem at the source, not just punish end users. Officials believe that until the supply stops, complete success will not be possible.
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Why cleanliness and plastic-free rules matter
The Chandigarh MC says that maintaining cleanliness is not just about having clean roads — it’s about health, hygiene, and protecting the environment. Open garbage attracts animals and pests, clogs drains, and spreads diseases.
Similarly, plastic waste is a major environmental threat. Plastic bags do not decompose for hundreds of years, pollute soil and water, and cause harm to animals who may eat them by mistake.
By taking strong actions like these, the MC hopes to build a culture of civic responsibility in the city.
The MC is encouraging all citizens to cooperate and become active participants in its cleanliness and green campaigns. It wants people to:
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Avoid throwing garbage in the open
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Use proper dustbins for waste
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Segregate dry and wet waste at home
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Stop using single-use plastic bags
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Report violations to the MC if they see any
They believe that no campaign can succeed unless every citizen takes it seriously. The aim is to make Chandigarh not just clean, but a model city for others to follow.
The recent ₹13,500 fine against Punjab National Bank by the Chandigarh MC is a clear example of how the city is cracking down on poor waste management. The message is loud and clear — no one is above the law, and whether it’s a bank or a household, littering will not be tolerated.
With over 5,200 challans already issued this year, and strong enforcement of the plastic ban, the city is making progress. However, public support and awareness remain the biggest factors in making Chandigarh truly clean and green. The MC continues to do its part and now looks to the citizens to join hands in this mission.