Sanitation, smart city project on agenda of political parties

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 7

With the nominations filed and candidates busy with their respective campaigns, it’s now time for parties to come up with their manifestos. The BJP’s list of poll promises is expected tomorrow, while that of the SAD within two days. The Congress may take a couple of days to get the go-ahead from its high command.

Sanitation and completion of the smart city project remains the top priority of most of the parties. The BJP manifesto is being drafted by a panel, comprising former Mayor Rakesh Rathour and former Local Bodies Minister Manoranjan Kalia.

Speaking on the issues which shall prominently be played up in the SAD’s manifesto, Pawan Tinu said, “A massive upgrade in all major development works, a proper drainage system for the city, street lights for every area, availability of proper facilities at all offices shall be primary issues on the agenda of the SAD.”

Taking a dig at the Congress, he said there had been no major work which was successfully completed by the Congress ever since they came to power. Parking, animal tax, development works, which have been left undone by the Congress, are top on our agenda. Smart City funds and the Rs 363 crore recently declared by the CM were actually allocations made during our tenure, the Congress is only formally announcing them.”

Taking credit for works done during SAD’s tenure for the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation, he said, “We got the sewerage works in the city done, got flyovers made, water supply was improved and LED lights for streets were initiated during our tenure. The Congress has merely cashed on these projects during its tenure so far.”

Congress MLA Rajinder Beri said, “Improvement in various projects involving water supply, sewerage, sanitation, shall be the primary aim of the Congress. We shall provide two to three employees to all welfare societies to streamline sanitation and upkeep, the stray dog menace which is a huge grouse in many areas shall also remain high on the agenda of the Congress. We have also got the veterinary hospital at Nangal Shama village started during our tenure.”

Ramesh Sharma, district BJP president, said, “Smart City project, proper sanitation of various areas falling under the MC, among other projects shall be the prime issues taken up by us in the brochure. Our formal brochure for the MC elections shall be ready by tomorrow. The BJP shall be highlighting necessary issues.”