Chandigarh drops public shaming for littering after backlash

India Nov 20, 2025

Chandigarh's plan to publicly shame people caught littering—using folk songs and drums—has been called off just three days after launch.
The move came after residents and opposition leaders slammed it as heavy-handed, sparking protests outside the mayor's house.

What's next for city cleanliness?

Mayor Harpreet Babla says fines for littering will still be handed out, but public embarrassment is off the table.
Instead, officials want to focus on spreading awareness and getting people involved in keeping the city clean.
A new Swachhata Campaign is rolling out in Bapu Dham and Janta Colonies, where self-help groups will go door-to-door teaching waste segregation to over 5,600 households.