The Suthra Punjab Authority has launched an e-challan system in Lahore to discourage littering in public places and enforce cleanliness laws across commercial areas and major roads.
The pilot project currently covers 200 commercial markets and major roads, including The Mall, Jail Road, and Ferozepur Road. Anti-littering teams have been deployed to monitor violations and educate citizens about proper waste disposal.
Suthra Punjab Authority CEO Shehryar Arif Khan said 25 teams have started issuing warnings to people involved in littering. The overall enforcement staff consists of 75 personnel, including 50 members working in field and supervisory teams.
September will serve as a grace period for violators. Warning e-challans began from September 1, 2026, without financial penalties, while formal fines will be imposed from October 1.
The system has not yet been extended to residential areas as authorities are initially focusing on awareness and public education.
During the grace period, teams will warn residents, shopkeepers, and visitors that littering is a violation of cleanliness laws and should not be repeated.
Under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2025 and the Suthra Punjab Authority Act, 2026, repeated violations can result in fines and legal action.
Littering in public places can attract a fine ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000, while failure to maintain cleanliness outside a house, shop, or factory can result in fines of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 50,000.
Businesses and shopping malls using prohibited plastic bags may face fines between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000.
Burning waste carries much heavier penalties, with fines ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Those involved in burning tyres could face a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years, whether the violation is committed by an industrial unit or an individual.
Officials said all fines under the e-challan system will have to be paid through banking or digital payment channels, with cash payments not being accepted.
The authority said the anti-littering squads will continue monitoring roads, markets, and commercial centres while educating citizens about safe waste disposal and the applicable cleanliness laws.
Authorities aim to use the new enforcement system to reduce littering and support the goal of making Lahore a cleaner and waste-free city.
