Suthra Punjab Act 2026
The Suthra Punjab Authority Act, 2026(“Suthra Punjab Law”) has been enacted by the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab to establish the Suthra Punjab Authority and provide an institutional framework for solid waste management and sanitation services throughout the province. The Suthra Punjab Lawaims to establish an integrated system for the collection, transportation, treatment, recycling and safe disposal of waste, promote waste-to-energy initiatives, and improve rural sanitation and hygiene. However, areas where waste management services are being performed by the Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority are excluded from its scope.
The Suthra Punjab Lawestablishes the Suthra Punjab Authority as a body corporate, chaired by the Chief Minister, with the Minister for Local Government and Community Development as Vice Chairperson. The Authority is responsible for formulating policies, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and service standards, approving fees and charges, prescribing licensing and registration requirements, approving waste management schemes and developing landfill sites. The Director General (BS-19 or above) shall serve as the Principal Accounting Officer of the Suthra Punjab Authority. At the district level, Suthra Punjab Agencies, headed by Managing Directors, shall implement and enforce waste management operations, either directly or through outsourcing.
The Suthra Punjab Authority may establish one or more Agencies in each district, specifying their jurisdiction and composition. Each Agency shall be chaired by a person nominated by the Chief Minister, with the Deputy Commissioner as a member. Agencies may undertake direct operations through negotiated tendering for up to ninety days, extendable by the Authority. The Suthra Punjab Authority may also modify existing contract scopes or assign additional work to contractors. The Suthra Punjab Lawfurther provides for alternate presiding arrangements, casting votes in case of a tie, and assignment of additional charge of a vacant Managing Director post. The Director General’s terms of appointment shall be prescribed by the Authority or, until then, determined by the Chief Minister.
Waste Management Inspectors are empowered to issue warnings allowing a minimum of two days for corrective action and tickets for scheduled offences. Repeat offences under Part-A of the Schedule attract double fines. An appeal against an Inspector’s order may be filed before the Managing Director within the prescribed period, while an appeal against a fine receipt must be filed within seven days. The Managing Director’s decision shall be final. Offences specified in Part-B of the Schedule may result in criminal proceedings through an FIR with the Managing Director’s approval and summary trial before a Magistrate. The Authority may also assign enforcement powers to the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA).
The Suthra Punjab Lawprescribes imprisonment of up to two years for burning solid waste, one year for obstructing a Waste Management Inspector, and two years for burning tyres as fuel, along with fines of up to Rs. 500,000, or both, as applicable.
The Suthra Punjab Lawalso provides for the transfer of assets, employees, funds, liabilities and Suthra Punjab Programme contracts, including those of the Waste Management Companies, to the Authority on a date determined by it. Existing contracts shall be deemed to have been executed by the respective Agency, which shall enter into an addendum agreement with the contractor. The Authority may enhance or reduce the scope of work or terminate contracts for violations of their conditions. The relevant assets, rights, liabilities and employees may subsequently be transferred to the Agencies, and the Waste Management Companies shall be wound up upon completion of the succession process.
The Suthra Punjab Lawfurther provides for separate funds for the Authority and Agencies, budget preparation, annual audits, financial accountability and annual reporting. It also empowers the Government to make rules and the Authority to frame regulations for implementation of the Suthra Punjab Law. The Suthra Punjab Authority Ordinance, 2025, stands repealed, subject to the protection of actions already taken and rights and liabilities accrued under it.
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