Amritsar MC officials discuss urban upgrade proposals

A review meeting was held by Additional Commissioner Surinder Singh of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation today with officials of various departments to discuss proposals under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the 2025–26 financial year.

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Under the Central Government’s scheme, financial assistance is being provided to states to encourage capital investment aimed at improving urban infrastructure and governance. In this regard, the Punjab Government has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to prepare and submit proposals related to basic infrastructure enhancement and administrative reforms.

During the meeting, Additional Commissioner Surinder asked officials to suggest measures to strengthen civic infrastructure, identify alternative sources of revenue, enhance green cover across the city and manage rainwater more efficiently. He emphasised the need for comprehensive planning to support sustainable urbanisation and to enhance the ease of doing business, aligning with the objectives of the SASCI scheme.

A key focus of the discussion included the digital mapping of municipal assets and government land, linking the property tax portal with unique identification (UID), identifying new income streams, implementing town planning schemes, constructing rainwater harvesting pits and maintaining traditional wells.

The Additional Commissioner directed the officials to prepare and submit their departmental suggestions promptly in view of the upcoming meeting scheduled for July 3 in Chandigarh, convened by the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC) and the Department of Local Government, Punjab.

Senior officials present in the meeting included Superintending Engineer Sandeep Singh, Senior Town Planner (STP) Parmpal Singh, Assistant Commissioner Daljeet Singh and Estate Officer Dharminderjeet Singh, among others.

Surinder also instructed the officials to prepare beautification proposals for Lohgarh Gate and Chheharta-Chattiwind Road, and to plan a tree plantation drive to enhance greenery in the city’s outer colonies. He said if funds were made available under the scheme, significant improvements in the city’s appearance and services could be achieved.