The Punjab government on Saturday announced it will impose a Rs. 50,000 fine on any citizens who dump animal remains and waste in streets and residential areas during Eidul Azha.
Eidul Azha falls on May 27 and lasts three days, ending on May 29. Muslims across the country sacrifice animals on all three days, with residents complaining of dumping of animals remains in public areas in the past, posing health and cleanliness concerns.
In a statement, the provincial government said the measure was decided during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a bid to ensure foolproof cleanliness arrangements across the province. The chief minister directed authorities to ensure strict monitoring and prevention of dumping animal waste and remains at prohibited locations. It was also decided to establish vigilance squads across the province to monitor violations and enforce cleanliness rules.
The chief minister further directed authorities concerned to launch a public awareness campaign to discourage people from throwing animal waste in unauthorized places and instructed officials to ensure special cleaning and monitoring of drains, canals, and other areas. Additionally, she directed authorities to ensure cleanliness in private housing societies, railway colonies and cantonment areas.
According to the statement, special arrangements have been ordered for cleaning 2,687 major commercial markets across Punjab over Eidul Azha.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said all departments would have to work as “one government unit” to make the cleanliness operation successful. She said officers showing outstanding performance would be rewarded, while warning of strict accountability for anyone showing negligence.
Officials told the meeting citizens would be provided biodegradable shopping bags for the disposal of animal waste and remains. They said rose water spray arrangements would be made at Eid prayer gatherings and mosques.
According to the briefing, around 176,000 sanitation workers and more than 8,000 temporary staff members would participate in the “Suthra Punjab” operation. Authorities have also established 3,800 primary collection centers and designated 3,100 dumping sites for the disposal of animal remains. In addition, 7,000 dumping points would be set up province-wide.
Over 4,500 special camps would be established across Punjab, while over 40,000 additional vehicles would be deployed during the operation. The government has also decided to hire loader rickshaws, mini dumpers, tractor trolleys and pickup vehicles to strengthen waste collection efforts.
Citizens can register complaints and seek assistance through the “Suthra Punjab” helpline 1139 during Eidul Azha.