Who is bound to assist the Authority under Section 63?

Section 63 of the Punjab Environmental Regulation and Administration (PERA) Act highlights the responsibility of grassroots-level functionaries, specifically the local headman (Lambardar) and chaukidar, to assist the Authority in the execution of its functions. This legal duty ensures that enforcement reaches even the smallest administrative units, making local cooperation a vital part of environmental and regulatory governance.

The local headman and chaukidar have long held traditional roles in community-level administration. The headman acts as a bridge between the government and local residents, while the chaukidar performs watch and ward duties. By including them in the enforcement framework, the PERA Act ensures that these individuals contribute to identifying violations, assisting in inspections, reporting offences, and maintaining local awareness about regulatory compliance.

Their cooperation is especially important in rural and semi-urban areas where direct monitoring by enforcement officers may not always be feasible. These local figures can provide timely intelligence on illegal activities such as unauthorized operations, environmental breaches, or violations of Authority directives.

Furthermore, Section 63 establishes legal accountability for these roles — meaning that refusal or negligence in assisting the Authority could constitute a breach of duty under the law. This provision strengthens local enforcement and ensures that every segment of governance contributes to maintaining order and compliance.

In summary, Section 63 reinforces the concept of community-based enforcement by requiring the local headman and chaukidar to actively support the Authority. Their cooperation enhances early detection, preventive action, and smooth communication between the Authority and the local population — a crucial aspect of sustainable and effective regulation.

Legal Note: Section 63 – Assistance of Local Headman and Chaukidar to the Authority.