Chandigarh, January 18, 2026: The Punjab government on Sunday issued a comprehensive directive aimed at addressing a longstanding urban governance issue: the accumulation of scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles within city limits. These vehicles, often lying unattended at police station premises, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and along city roads, have posed multiple challenges to urban management, including public safety risks, sanitation hazards, and traffic congestion.

According to Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize urban administration, optimize public infrastructure, and ensure cleaner, safer city environments. “The presence of old and abandoned vehicles in urban areas is not merely a visual nuisance; it has serious implications for public health, safety, and environmental sustainability,” Arora said in a statement.

Under the new directive, all unclaimed, scrapped, and confiscated vehicles must be relocated to designated vehicle yards outside city limits within 30 days. The move is intended to clear space within operational areas such as police station premises, traffic police yards, and other government lands, which are meant to facilitate emergency services, public administration, and routine civic operations, not serve as long-term vehicle storage or dumping grounds.

Scope and Implementation of the Order

Joint teams comprising police personnel, municipal corporation officials, traffic authorities, and district administration representatives have been tasked with conducting an immediate survey of all such vehicles. These teams are required to prepare a detailed inventory, tag and photograph each vehicle, and execute the relocation process in a time-bound manner. Vehicles with identifiable ownership will be notified, and owners will be given an opportunity to claim their vehicles according to existing legal procedures. Confiscated vehicles will be shifted only after completing all mandatory documentation to ensure that ongoing judicial processes remain unaffected.

“All relocated vehicles will be sent exclusively to authorized scrap yards and recycling facilities, adhering strictly to environmental and pollution control norms,” Minister Arora stated. This approach ensures that the program not only clears urban areas but also aligns with sustainable waste management practices.

Public Safety and Sanitation Concerns

Officials highlighted the multiple hazards posed by abandoned and scrapped vehicles. Fuel residues, electrical faults, and flammable materials in old vehicles significantly increase fire risks, particularly in densely populated urban areas. In addition, vehicles left unattended for long periods accumulate stagnant water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents and contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Moreover, deteriorating vehicles can leak oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, contaminating soil and groundwater. The presence of abandoned vehicles along roadsides and public land also obstructs traffic flow, hampers road maintenance, and negatively impacts the aesthetic appeal of city neighborhoods. By removing these vehicles, the Punjab government aims to enhance urban mobility, reduce environmental hazards, and improve overall city cleanliness.

Legal Framework and Compliance

Minister Arora clarified that the operation is fully aligned with existing legal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. He emphasized that the directive balances the need for strict urban management with respect for legal ownership rights, ensuring that vehicle owners are informed and given an opportunity to claim their property before relocation or disposal.

“The relocation exercise will be carried out transparently and systematically. All actions will be documented, and notices will be affixed to the vehicles. This ensures that no vehicle is moved arbitrarily and that all stakeholders are fully informed,” Arora said.

Citizen Cooperation and Participation

The government has also appealed to citizens to cooperate actively in this initiative. Vehicle owners are urged to clarify the status of abandoned or unclaimed vehicles registered under their names and resolve any pending documentation with the relevant police stations or municipal authorities. Public participation is considered essential for the success of this citywide cleanliness and safety campaign, as it will facilitate faster identification of vehicles that can be legitimately reclaimed and reduce instances of unclaimed property being left to deteriorate.

By undertaking this program, Punjab aims to modernize urban governance, enhance public safety, and maintain cleaner and more organized city spaces. Officials note that this initiative will also contribute to a more efficient traffic management system, as clearing roads and public land of abandoned vehicles will free up space and reduce unnecessary obstructions.

Strategic and Long-Term Goals

The vehicle removal program is part of a broader vision to improve urban administration and infrastructure across Punjab. By systematically clearing police stations, municipal properties, and city roads of unclaimed and abandoned vehicles, authorities hope to foster an environment conducive to efficient public service delivery, better emergency response, and sustainable urban living.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the environmental impact of urban neglect. By directing all vehicles to authorized recycling and scrap facilities, the government is encouraging the recovery of reusable materialsand safe disposal of hazardous substances, thus mitigating environmental contamination.

Minister Arora stressed that this is not merely an administrative exercise but a public safety imperative. The state government envisions a city landscape where public spaces are free from hazards, emergency services have unobstructed access, and the risk of health and environmental crises due to neglected vehicles is significantly minimized.

Conclusion

The Punjab government’s directive to remove scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles marks a significant step in the state’s urban governance reforms. By combining legal compliance, environmental safeguards, public participation, and systematic administration, the program aims to address a longstanding urban challenge, improve sanitation and public safety, and optimize the use of government and municipal infrastructure.

As authorities embark on this citywide initiative, residents are urged to engage proactively, claim vehicles where applicable, and support efforts to maintain cleaner, safer, and more organized urban environments. The state government has made it clear that the success of this drive depends on coordination between administrative authorities and the citizens, marking it as a flagship step in Punjab’s broader vision for modern, sustainable, and citizen-friendly cities.