LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed the Suthra Punjab Authority Bill 2025, introducing strict penalties for violators to curb environmental pollution, improper waste disposal and obstruction of waste management operations across the province.

Under the bill, which will turn into a law after endorsement by the governor, stringent punishments have been laid down in Schedule B for serious violations.

Burning of solid waste inside or outside private premises, or at public places by individuals, establishments, or factories, will attract a fine up to Rs500,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.

Similarly, obstructing or hindering a waste management inspector or any authorised official during the performance of duties under the Act may result in a fine up to Rs500,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.

The Act also penalizes the burning of tyres as fuel by individuals or commercial entities.

Meanwhile, Schedule A of the Act deals with a range of civic and sanitation-related offences, for which fines of varying amounts will be imposed. These include throwing or dumping garbage, litter, or refuse on streets, roads, or places not designated for waste disposal by the authority. Property owners or occupiers will also be fined for failing to arrange proper disposal of waste within or outside their premises as directed by the agency.

The law further makes it mandatory for owners and occupiers of premises to maintain cleanliness in front of houses, shops, offices, factories etc, up to adjoining public streets or roads.

Failure to properly maintain, clean, disinfect, repair, or manage latrines, drains, cesspools and other waste receptacles will also invite penalties.

In addition, neglecting the removal of plastic bags and other non-biodegradable materials from premises, shops, houses, and cultivated lands has also been declared an offence.

The Act also prohibits the collection, lifting, or sorting of solid or domestic waste without a licence from the authority and penalises any violation of directives or prohibitions issued under the Act, rules, or regulations.

Any act that damages or pollutes the physical environment—whether in private or public spaces—in a manner that endangers public health, will also be punishable under the new law.

The passage of the bill reflects the government’s stated commitment to improving sanitation, environmental protection and public health across Punjab through stricter enforcement and accountability.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026