LAHORE: Authorities in Lahore have decided to launch a crackdown against people found littering in public places, with fines of up to Rs500,000 for serious violations.
The operation will be jointly monitored by the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and the Safe City Authority and is expected to begin this week. The first phase will focus on 10 major markets across the city.
According to LWMC CEO Shahryar Khan, Safe City surveillance cameras will be used to identify people involved in littering. LWMC field teams will then reach the location and take action against the violators.
The CEO said field staff would show shopkeepers video evidence of the violation and impose fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000 for littering. Those found causing environmental pollution or setting waste on fire could face fines of up to Rs500,000.
The initial list of targeted commercial areas includes major locations such as Mall Road, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Gulberg Main Boulevard and Liberty Chowk, among others.
Khan said that after the initial operation in the 10 selected markets, enforcement would be expanded to other markets and commercial centres. Action will also be taken against people who throw waste from vehicles onto roads and public spaces.
The initiative aims to strengthen waste management enforcement and discourage practices that contribute to pollution and poor urban cleanliness in Lahore.