Karnal, September 3: Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saloni Sharma stated that, in compliance with directives issued by the Urban Local Bodies Department of the Haryana Government, sanitation workers currently on strike at the Karnal Municipal Corporation have been instructed to report for duty by September 5, 2026. Legal and departmental action, in accordance with the rules, will be initiated against employees who fail to report for duty by the specified time.
She noted that a letter issued by the Urban Local Bodies Department on September 2, 2026, clarifies that sanitation work is an essential service. It is a primary responsibility and duty of municipal bodies to ensure the continuity of sanitation services in cities. Citing provisions of Section 47 of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973, and the Haryana Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1974, the department has reiterated the classification of sanitation services as essential.
Striking employees absent from duty since August 6.
The Municipal Commissioner stated that sanitation workers and sewermen employed on a regular basis by municipal bodies have been continuously absent from duty and participating in the strike since August 6, 2026, without the permission of a competent authority or prior notice. This has not only disrupted sanitation services but also hindered the operation of the Corporation's sanitation resources, equipment, and machinery.
She emphasized that sanitation services are directly linked to the health of citizens and the cleanliness of the city. Prolonged disruption of sanitation work could lead to garbage accumulation and the risk of disease outbreaks. Consequently, ensuring the smooth functioning of sanitation services is a top priority for the Municipal Corporation administration.
Action in accordance with the directives of the Hon'ble High Court. He stated that the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, issued directives in Civil Writ Petition No. 229 of 2026 on August 18, 2026, mandating legal action to ensure proper sanitation in cities. Taking this matter seriously, the Haryana Government has issued necessary guidelines to the Commissioners of all municipal bodies and District Municipal Commissioners.
Mandatory return to duty by September 5:
The Municipal Commissioner stated that, in accordance with government directives, all employees currently on strike have been informed that they must report for duty by September 5, 2026, without fail. The Karnal Municipal Corporation has issued instructions to sanitation department officials and zonal in-charges to ensure the attendance of all sanitation workers in their respective zones and to submit daily attendance reports.
No compromise on city sanitation:
Municipal Commissioner Saloni Sharma stated that the objective of the Municipal Corporation administration is to provide a clean and healthy environment for the city's residents. As sanitation is an essential service, its disruption cannot be permitted. She appealed to the concerned employees to comply with the directives issued by the government and the department, return to duty within the stipulated timeframe, and cooperate in maintaining the city's sanitation system smoothly.