Dharamshala (Aparnav Sharma)
In a blow to the residents of Dharamshala, the Municipal Corporation has announced a significant hike in garbage collection charges.
Effective from January 2025, the revised “Door-to-Door Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaws, 2019” saw charges for waste management services double across several categories.
Household charges were increased from Rs 50 to INR Rs per month, while Below Poverty Line (BPL) families were given a concession, needing to pay only Rs 60.
Sharp rise for commercial establishments
Commercial establishments also witnessed a sharp rise, with shopkeepers now paying Rs 150 per month, double the previous amount. Restaurants saw their fees rise from Rs 500 to Rs 600 and those with bars now face charges of Rs 1,200.
Specialised categories like wholesale vegetable vendors were not spared, with charges rising from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per month.
The new bylaws have also introduced stringent penalties for non-compliance. Residential littering now attract a fine of Rs 500 per day, while shopkeepers face Rs 1,000 for open dumping.
Rs 5,000 per day penalty for industrial dumping
Industrial waste dumping comes with a hefty penalty of Rs 5,000 per day.
In addition, event organisers will now pay more based on the number of attendees, with charges ranging from Rs 500 for small gatherings to Rs 25,000 for large events with over 10,000 attendees. Charges for commercial facilities like banquet halls and ropeway offices have also been increased.
“The revised bylaws aim to enhance waste management in Dharamshala while promoting sustainability,” said a civic body official.
However, residents and businesses are questioning the fairness of such steep hikes, especially in light of the growing cost of living. “
