Strong Legal Action Planned Across Punjab

The Punjab government has begun drafting a strict legal framework to curb the growing theft of manhole covers in Lahore and other cities across the province. The proposal includes imposing heavy fines of up to Rs100 million on individuals, factories, scrapyards, and businesses involved in the illegal trade of manhole covers and their components.

Rising Safety Risks Trigger Government Response

Fatal Incidents and Sewer Blockages Raise Alarm

The move comes after repeated incidents of stolen manhole covers leading to fatal accidents involving children and severe sewer blockages. Open manholes have become a serious public safety hazard, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Why Manhole Covers Are Being Targeted

High Scrap Value Fuels Theft

According to official sources, a complete manhole covers with iron rings costs between Rs8,000 and Rs12,000. Thieves are mainly attracted to the iron rings weighing up to 30 kilograms and the steel embedded in concrete covers, which can be sold for substantial amounts in scrap markets.

Organized Criminal Networks Under Scrutiny

Theft Not Limited to Petty Crime

Authorities believe these thefts are not isolated acts but part of organized criminal operations. During a high-level meeting involving the Housing & Urban Development Department, Public Health Engineering Department, and managing directors of water and sanitation agencies, it was revealed that stolen covers are often sold through scrap dealers, factories, and construction-related businesses.

Proposed Legal Framework and Heavy Penalties

Rs100 Million Fine for Facilitators and Buyers

The proposed law aims to introduce stringent financial penalties, including fines up to Rs100 million, for any entity found stealing, reselling, purchasing, or facilitating the illegal handling of manhole covers. This includes factories, scrapyard owners, and contractors.

Enhanced Monitoring and Law Enforcement

Special Police and WASA Teams to Be Deployed

District-level Special Branch police teams will be engaged to monitor and investigate suspected groups. WASA managing directors have been directed to form special monitoring and rapid response teams to prevent further theft and ensure public safety.

Challenging Common Misconceptions

Beyond the Drug Addict Narrative

Officials cautioned that blaming thefts solely on drug addicts allows organized groups to operate unnoticed. This misconception has helped criminal networks evade scrutiny while continuing illicit activities.

Next Steps and Inter-Departmental Coordination

Legal Amendments Under Review

Participants agreed to hold further consultations to finalize amendments to laws, rules, and regulations, while strengthening coordination among civic agencies and law enforcement departments to effectively address the issue.