Vadodara: Littering outside your shop could now lead to more than just a fine. Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has sealed six shops across the city in recent days for repeatedly violating cleanliness norms despite warnings from civic officials.A furniture shop in Khodiyar Nagar was among those sealed after its owner allegedly continued dumping waste in the area outside the establishment and burning garbage there. Officials said the shopkeeper had been warned several times before the civic body sealed the premises on Wednesday.The action faced opposition from some local traders, prompting VMC officials to call in the police to prevent the situation from escalating.In separate incidents, three shops in the city were sealed for allegedly failing to maintain cleanliness outside their establishments. The civic body also imposed fines on the owners.Two other establishments—a stationery shop and a sweet shop near Khanderao Market—were sealed after officials found garbage and litter accumulated outside the premises. According to civic officials, the shopkeepers had been repeatedly instructed to clean the areas but failed to comply.VMC officials said shop owners are responsible for maintaining cleanliness around their establishments and warned that repeated violations would invite strict action.The sealing drive comes as the civic body intensifies its cleanliness campaign ahead of the festive season, when markets and commercial areas are expected to witness a rise in footfall. Officials said inspections will continue across the city and action will be taken against establishments that fail to comply with cleanliness directives.
