Chandigarh 18 January 2026:
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a comprehensive directive for the systematic removal and relocation of all scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles presently lying in police station premises and other government lands within city limits to designated yards outside urban areas.
This decisive step is part of the Government’s broader urban governance reforms aimed at improving public safety, sanitation, traffic management, and optimal utilization of public infrastructure.
Vehicles to Be Shifted Within 30 Days
The Minister informed that all such vehicles parked in police stations, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and along city roads for prolonged periods shall be shifted to identified vehicle yards located outside city limits within 30 days.
Joint teams of the Police Department, Municipal Corporations, Traffic Police, and District Administration have been directed to conduct an immediate survey, prepare a detailed inventory, and ensure time-bound execution of this order.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that the presence of large numbers of scrapped and confiscated vehicles within city limits has created multiple civic and administrative challenges.Old vehicles pose serious fire hazards due to fuel residues, electrical faults, and flammable materials, especially in densely populated urban areas. Abandoned vehicles accumulate stagnant water, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, thereby increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and other diseases.
Misuse of Critical Government Space:
Police station premises are meant for operational requirements, emergency vehicles, and public service delivery—not long-term vehicle dumping.
Traffic Obstruction & Urban Aesthetics:
Vehicles lying on roadsides and public land obstruct traffic flow and negatively impact the city’s cleanliness and appearance. Deteriorating vehicles leak oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, causing soil and groundwater contamination.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
The Minister clarified that this action is fully aligned with existing legal provisions: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Removal of abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 – De-registration and disposal of end-of-life vehicles. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 – Safe handling and disposal of non-biodegradable waste including vehicles.
Punjab Municipal Corporation Act – Authority to remove encroachments and public hazards.
All relocated vehicles will be sent only to authorized vehicle scrap yards and recycling facilities, strictly following pollution control and environmental norms.
Procedure to Be Followed Before removal: All identified vehicles will be tagged and photographed.Notices will be affixed on vehicles. Where ownership is traceable, owners will be informed and given an opportunity to claim their vehicles as per law.Confiscated vehicles will be shifted after completing all mandatory legal documentation to ensure that judicial procedures remain unaffected.
Shri Sanjeev Arora appealed to citizens to cooperate in this citywide cleanliness and safety drive. Vehicle owners are urged to voluntarily resolve the status of abandoned vehicles with the concerned police stations and municipal authorities.
“This initiative reflects our Government’s firm commitment to safer, cleaner, and better-organized cities. Urban land is a valuable public resource and must be used efficiently for public welfare,” the Minister added.
