The Punjab government has introduced a new garbage tax under its “Suthra Punjab” (Clean Punjab) program, which is focused on improving waste management and keeping cities cleaner.
According to the new policy, households in urban areas will have to pay a monthly fee ranging from Rs300 to Rs5,000, depending on the size of their property. Families living in rural areas will be charged Rs200 to Rs400 per month.
The government has explained that this difference is because cities usually generate more waste than villages, and therefore require more resources for cleaning and disposal.
Businesses will also be included in this new tax system. Small shops in cities will pay up to Rs500 each month, while larger commercial units could be charged as high as Rs3,000.
Authorities believe that involving both households and businesses is important because waste management is not just the responsibility of the government—it is a shared duty of citizens, communities, and institutions.
Officials further explained that the money collected through this tax will be directly used to strengthen waste management services across Punjab. This includes better equipment, modern garbage collection vehicles, hiring of more sanitation workers, and improved systems for recycling and disposal.
The government has emphasized that the purpose of this initiative is not only to make Punjab’s cities and towns cleaner, but also to create healthier living conditions for the people. Cleaner surroundings can reduce pollution, prevent diseases, and improve the overall image of the province.
The Suthra Punjab initiative highlights the growing need for responsible waste management, and the new garbage tax is being seen as a step toward long-term environmental sustainability.
