Panchkula: People dumping garbage in public places and those encroaching on markets will now face stricter action, with the Panchkula municipal corporation constituting four dedicated teams equipped to issue digital challans on the spot.Unlike earlier drives where challans were issued manually, each team has been provided with a POS machine to ensure online collection of penalties. In a first, the civic body has combined enforcement against both garbage dumping and encroachment under the same teams.The teams will patrol different parts of the city, particularly identified garbage-vulnerable points and encroachment hotspots, and document violations through photographs before issuing challans.“We have held several awareness campaigns against open dumping of waste. Despite repeated cleaning drives, garbage often reappears soon after it is cleared. This practice has to stop as it not only wastes the efforts of sanitation workers but also affects the city’s appearance,” said MC commissioner Vinay Kumar.The penalty for dumping waste in public places ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000, depending on the quantity and type of garbage. Violators will be issued challan slips immediately after the offence is recorded.The teams will also monitor unauthorised encroachments by street vendors and shopkeepers. Officials said vendors have already been removed from several unauthorised locations, while shopkeepers have been advised against occupying corridors and public spaces.Kumar said the use of POS machines would enhance transparency and minimise disputes. “When an online challan is issued, there is greater transparency and accountability. The teams are keeping a close watch on both violations, which will help keep the city clean and encroachment-free,” he added.
