424 challans issued in drive against single-use plastic items in Kurukshetra
Tightening the noose around shopkeepers using polythene and single-use plastic items, the district administration has launched a challaning drive in the district. During the drive on Thursday evening, 424 challans were issued in the district and a fine of over Rs 2.13 lakh was imposed on violators.
As per data shared by the district administration, 254 challans were issued in Thanesar city and a fine of over Rs 1.75 lakh was imposed on traders, followed by 61 challans in Pehowa with fine of Rs 11,700, 51 challans in the Ladwa area with a penalty of Rs 6,500, 45 challans in Shahabad area with a fine of Rs 14,500 and 13 challans in the Ismailabad area with Rs 5,500 fine for the use of banned plastic items.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Neha Singh, who led the challaning drive in the Thanesar area, said, “The Chief Minister has given a clear directions to make Thanesar a clean, beautiful and polythene-free city. To achieve this target, collective efforts of the district administration, employees of the Municipal Council, local residents and shopkeepers are required. A special drive has been launched in Kurukshetra. All civic bodies’ officials have been directed to visit local markets and issue challans for use of banned plastic items, encroachments and failing to maintain sanitation. The drive will continue and regular checking will be conducted and challans issued to violators.”
During the mega drive, a sweet shop in front of the old bus stand in Thanesar was issued a challan of Rs 15,000, while a tyre shop and several other outlets in the area were issued challans amounting to Rs 5,000 each. Expressing unhappiness over garbage dumps in the city area, the DC said, “Though collection vehicles are deployed to collect waste, city residents dump garbage in the open areas. Shopkeepers do not use dustbins. They encroach areas near their shops and roads by placing goods. This inconveniences pedestrians, leads to traffic jams and the threat of accidents looms large.”
The DC further said, “Strict action will be taken against shopkeepers who are challaned repeatedly. Their goods kept outside shops will be confiscated. If need arises their shops will be sealed.”
Municipal Commissioner Satinder Siwach said along with Thanesar City, same drives were conducted in Ismailabad, Ladwa, Shahabad and Pehowa too. — TNS
Haryana Tribune