LAHORE – Lahoris were tired of littering on roads and commercial streets, but now that could change as authorities roll out e-challans to track cleanliness violations, with September period being for awareness before fines start from October 1.
Suthra Punjab Authority introduced e-challan system to monitor and penalise violations of sanitation laws across the metropolis. The system has initially been extended to around 200 commercial markets and major roads, including The Mall, Jail Road and Ferozepur Road, with fines for certain violations reaching up to Rs500,000.
The authority kept this month as an awareness period during which citizens found violating cleanliness rules will receive warnings and awareness messages instead of financial penalties. However, the formal imposition of fines will begin from October 1, after which repeated violations could lead to legal action.
Suthra Punjab Authority Chief Executive Officer Sheriyar Arif Khan said the pilot project was launched on Tuesday, with 25 teams deployed across designated areas. The teams issued warnings to people found throwing garbage in public places as part of the initial awareness drive. The overall enforcement workforce consists of 75 personnel, including 50 officials divided into two field and supervisory teams.
The e-challan system was formally inaugurated at a ceremony at Liberty Chowk, following which anti-littering squads were deployed at major roads, markets and commercial centres. Officials said the squads will not only monitor cleanliness violations but will also educate citizens about the proper and safe disposal and transportation of waste.
Residential areas have not been included in the first phase of the e-challan system. The authority said its immediate focus is on commercial areas and major roads, while residents will initially be educated about cleanliness requirements and proper waste disposal.
Under the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and the Suthra Punjab Authority Act 2026, littering in public places can get you fine ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs10,000. Failure to maintain cleanliness outside a house, shop or factory can result in fines of Rs1,000 to Rs50,000, while shops using banned plastic bags may be fined Rs1,000 and shopping malls Rs2,000.
The penalties become significantly harsher for waste and tyre burning. Burning waste can lead to a fine ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 and imprisonment of up to two years. Meanwhile, an industrial unit or individual involved in burning tyres could face a fine of up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years.
Officials have warned that the September grace period will not provide permanent relief to violators. Once the awareness phase ends, repeat offenders will face formal legal action as authorities move towards stricter enforcement of Lahore’s cleanliness laws.
