Heavy penalty for dumping malba and garbage in open drains and by the roadside in the city could soon become a reality.

The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday asked the civic agencies “why in addition to a meagre fine provided under the Municipal Corporation Act in this regard, the Tribunal should not invoke the “polluter pay principle” and direct payment of much higher costs on throwing garbage, malba (debris)” on roads, in drains and even by the roadside.