Chandigarh, January 18
In a major push for cleaner and safer urban spaces, Punjab’s Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora has issued strict orders to relocate all scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles currently cluttering police stations, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and other government lands within city limits. These vehicles will be moved to designated yards located outside urban areas.
This initiative forms a key part of the state government’s urban governance reforms, focusing on enhancing public safety, sanitation, traffic flow, and efficient use of public spaces.
30-Day Deadline for Relocation
The directive mandates that all such vehicles be shifted within the next 30 days. Joint teams comprising police, municipal corporations, traffic police, and district administration officials have been tasked with immediately surveying the sites, creating a comprehensive inventory, and ensuring timely implementation.
Key Reasons for the Move
Minister Arora highlighted several pressing issues caused by these vehicles lingering in urban areas:
- Safety and Health Risks: Old, scrapped vehicles often contain fuel residues, faulty wiring, and flammable materials, posing significant fire hazards in crowded city zones. Abandoned ones collect rainwater, turning into breeding sites for mosquitoes and rodents, which heighten the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria.
- Misuse of Public Space: Police stations and government premises are intended for operational use, emergency response, and public services—not as long-term storage for derelict vehicles.
- Traffic and Environmental Impact: Vehicles abandoned on roadsides or public land disrupt traffic, detract from the city’s appearance, and leak harmful substances like oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, leading to soil and water pollution.
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Legal Basis and Environmental Compliance
The action complies fully with relevant laws, including:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (provisions for removing abandoned/unclaimed vehicles)
- Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (de-registration and disposal of end-of-life vehicles)
- Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (handling non-biodegradable waste like vehicles)
- Punjab Municipal Corporation Act (powers to clear encroachments and hazards)
All vehicles will be transferred exclusively to authorized scrap yards and recycling facilities, adhering strictly to pollution control and environmental regulations.
Procedure for Removal
Before relocation:
- Vehicles will be identified, tagged, and photographed.
- Notices will be placed on them.
- Where owners can be traced, they will be notified and given a chance to claim their vehicles as per legal provisions.
- Confiscated vehicles will only be moved after fulfilling all required judicial and documentation formalities to avoid impacting ongoing cases.
Minister Arora called on citizens to support this statewide cleanliness and safety campaign by voluntarily approaching police stations or municipal offices to resolve matters related to abandoned vehicles.
“This drive underscores our government’s dedication to creating safer, cleaner, and more organized cities. Public urban land is a precious resource that must be utilized effectively for the benefit of all,” he stated.
