What is the fine for dumping waste in Ludhiana's Sidhwan Canal?

The municipal corporation has imposed a mandatory Rs5,000 fine for anyone caught illegally dumping waste into the Sidhwan Canal.

Are spiritual or religious excuses accepted for canal pollution in Ludhiana?

No, authorities have stated that 'spiritual excuses,' such as advice from priests or astrologers, will no longer be accepted to avoid penalties for dumping waste.

How many fines were issued for Sidhwan Canal pollution last year?

More than 1,500 fines were issued last year for polluting the Sidhwan Canal.

Home / Environment / Canal Pollution Fines: No More Spiritual Excuses

Canal Pollution Fines: No More Spiritual Excuses

3 Feb

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Summary

Mandatory Rs5,000 fine for illegal dumping in Sidhwan Canal.
Priests and astrologers' advice no longer accepted as excuses.
Over 1,500 fines issued last year for canal pollution.

Canal Pollution Fines: No More Spiritual Excuses

Ludhiana authorities have relaunched a robust campaign to combat illegal dumping into the Sidhwan Canal. A mandatory Rs5,000 fine is now in effect for anyone caught discarding waste. Officials have deployed specialized teams to patrol the canal banks within the city limits following a recent escalation in pollution incidents.

The municipal corporation is strictly prohibiting the use of 'spiritual excuses' to evade penalties. Many offenders previously cited advice from priests or astrologers for issues like personal or marital problems. Despite previous meetings with local astrologers, officials confirmed that strict fines are the only effective deterrent.

The initiative, which initially stemmed from a November 2022 petition to the National Green Tribunal, saw over 1,500 fines issued last year. Enforcement activities had paused during recent byelections but have now fully resumed. Assistant municipal commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon emphasized that leniency has ended, urging residents to comply or face penalties.