Chandigarh's Innovative Dhol Fine Drive: Using Traditional Music to Combat Public Littering

Municipal authorities issue citations, return discarded waste to offenders, and capture photographs with them as part of the enforcement process.

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has introduced an innovative initiative called "Dhol Fine Drive" aimed at combating littering throughout the city. This distinctive campaign features dedicated teams patrolling streets, marketplaces, and public spaces, imposing penalties while playing traditional drums known as dhols.

Launched on Sunday, this initiative ensures immediate fines for anyone observed littering in public areas. The inaugural fine under this program was issued in Manimajra, with each violation resulting in a Rs 13,401 penalty.

As an awareness-building measure, waste discarded by violators is sometimes collected and returned to them.

A viral video shows a special enforcement team, accompanied by dhol musicians, visiting residences of repeat offenders. Officials present the citation, return the collected waste to the violators, and document the interaction with photographs.

In certain instances, performers deliver traditional "boliyaan" with messages like "Littering? Smile please... you are on camera!" These public interactions are subsequently shared on the Municipal Corporation's official social media channels.

Municipal officials explained that the "Dhol Fine Drive" was implemented after repeated warnings failed to modify public behavior. The program's inaugural day resulted in multiple fines and received positive feedback from residents in numerous areas.

The corporation has established a dedicated WhatsApp number (9915762917) for anonymous reporting of littering incidents.

Additionally, Chandigarh has developed an application called "I'm Chandigarh" through which citizens can report littering violations. Individuals whose reports are verified receive a reward of Rs 250.

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Amit Kumar, IAS, emphasized the corporation's strict zero-tolerance approach toward any littering or non-compliance with Solid Waste Management regulations.

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The Commissioner further stated, "All commercial establishments, institutions, and residents are hereby reminded to adhere strictly to the provisions of the SWM Rules, including waste segregation at source, use of designated collection systems, and maintaining cleanliness in and around their premises."