Patiala, September 2:
Taking serious note of the risk of diseases arising from garbage, filth and stagnant rainwater accumulating in vacant plots within Patiala district, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal has issued strict orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that the action would not remain confined to paper orders. To ensure the cleaning of private as well as government-owned vacant plots, the heads of the concerned departments would assign senior officers to oversee the work and monitor compliance. He directed the concerned officials to ensure that the entire exercise is completed by September 20, 2026, without fail. If, after the stipulated date, the cleaning of any private plot is carried out by the Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council or Panchayat, the cost incurred on the cleaning would be recovered from the occupant/owner of the plot. In case the amount is not recovered, necessary entry would be made in the revenue records.
As per the orders issued by the District Magistrate, owners of vacant plots in Patiala city must immediately get garbage, filth and stagnant contaminated water removed from their plots at their own level. In addition, it will be mandatory to construct a permanent boundary wall or provide suitable fencing around vacant plots to prevent them from being used as dumping grounds and to protect public health from potential hazards.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal said that accumulation of garbage and stagnant water in vacant plots leads to the breeding of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying organisms, which can pose a serious threat to public health. Therefore, no negligence in matters concerning public health would be tolerated. He said that residents can report instances of garbage and unhygienic conditions in vacant plots through WhatsApp number 9592003366, by sending only a message, photograph or location.
As per the orders, the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Patiala and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) will ensure strict compliance with these directions within their respective jurisdictions. The action will be taken under the powers vested by the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Any person or institution violating these orders will face penalties and legal action under the relevant provisions for causing adverse impacts on public health, and cases will be registered accordingly.
