MC Chandigarh launches ‘Clean for a Cause’ initiative
Offers Community Service Option for Littering Offenders
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 11, 2026: The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has introduced a first-of-its-kind initiative titled “Clean for a Cause”, allowing violators of sanitation rules to undertake community service in place of paying hefty fines.
The initiative, introduced under the Solid Waste Management Bye-laws 2018, aims to promote civic responsibility and encourage public participation in maintaining cleanliness across the city.
Under the new system, individuals who violate sanitation rules but cite genuine financial or personal constraints may apply to the Municipal Corporation for relaxation or compounding of their challans by volunteering for community sanitation work. Applicants must submit a written undertaking committing to carry out the assigned duties under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) wing.
The sanitation tasks may include sweeping, waste collection, and general cleaning activities. The work is assigned by area health supervisors or sanitary inspectors depending on requirements in different parts of the city.
The initiative has already seen its first participants. A resident of Sector 25 who was issued a challan of ₹13,401 last December completed sanitation work within his locality. Similarly, two other residents from Sector 25 and Sector 8, each facing fines of ₹14,071, opted to perform community service. One carried out sanitation work at the slaughterhouse in Industrial Area Phase-1, while the other undertook cleaning duties in Sector 8. Their work was carried out under official supervision and documented through photographs and compliance reports.
Speaking about the initiative, Amit Kumar clarified that the provision is not meant to provide an easy escape from penalties. Completion reports from field staff must be verified by the MOH office, and only after authorities are satisfied with the sincerity and quality of the work will requests for challan relaxation be considered.
The Commissioner said the initiative aims to sensitise citizens about the effort required to maintain cleanliness in the city. When violators themselves participate in sanitation activities, they gain a better understanding of civic responsibility.
He also reiterated that the civic body will maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward littering, illegal dumping of waste and sanitation violations, while strengthening the city’s efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
By combining enforcement with community participation, the Municipal Corporation hopes to reduce unpaid challans while reinforcing the collective responsibility of citizens to keep Chandigarh clean and healthy.