Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the introduction of strict new legislation aimed at curbing the theft and illegal sale of manhole covers, following a rise in deadly incidents across the province linked to uncovered drains.
Under the proposed law, individuals found involved in stealing, buying, or selling stolen manhole covers will face severe legal consequences, including prison sentences ranging from one to ten years. The legislation is designed to address the entire illegal supply chain, ensuring that not only thieves but also dealers and buyers are held accountable for endangering public safety.
The proposed penalties become even more stringent in cases where uncovered manholes or drains lead to the loss of human life. In such incidents, those responsible will also be liable to pay fines amounting to millions of rupees, reflecting the gravity of the crime and its consequences.
The move comes in response to several tragic accidents reported across Punjab, most notably a recent incident near Lahore’s Bhati Gate, where a woman and her infant lost their lives after falling into an open sewer. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for decisive action to prevent similar tragedies.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that public safety is a top priority for the provincial government and warned that negligence and criminal profiteering at the cost of human lives will no longer be tolerated. She stated that the new legislation aims not only to punish offenders but also to act as a strong deterrent, ensuring safer urban infrastructure and greater accountability among relevant authorities.
The Punjab government is expected to move swiftly to finalize and enforce the law, alongside strengthening monitoring mechanisms to prevent manhole theft and ensure timely replacement and maintenance of sewer covers throughout the province.
