Civic body mulls handing over V3 roads to Chandigarh Administration

Facing flak over poor condition of roads, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation is considering to hand over V3 roads that fall within its jurisdiction to the UT Administration for maintenance.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla said the agenda in this regard would be brought before the General House. The roads would be transferred only for the recarpeting work. She said the decision was taken in the best interest of the city residents. She said once the roads are recarpeted, these would be given back to the MC.

MC launches laser show

In a tribute to India’s spirit of unity and patriotism, the Municipal Corporation here has launched a laser show, featuring the national flag in motion, at the Laser Fountain, Sector 17 Plaza, as part of the national campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla inaugurated the event, in the presence of Pardeep Kumar, Special Commissioner; and Sanjiv Chadha, president, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal.

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The plaza came alive with vivid tricolor projections dancing to the rhythm of patriotic songs, drawing crowds. Speaking at the event, Babla said the laser show will continue every evening till August 15.

Due to shortage of funds, these sector-dividing roads have not been maintained for years. The V3 roads were given to the MC along with other departments and roads when it came into existence.

Earlier, the agenda for handing over the roads was brought before the MC General House during its meeting on March 25 this year. Cutting across party lines, all councilors had opposed it, leading to its rejection. During a discussion on the agenda, MC Commissioner Amit Kumar had told the members that V3 roads had not been recarpeted for the last three years. He had informed the House that the maintenance of V3 road was earlier transferred to the Administration and again given back to the MC.

He had said these roads should be transferred to the Administration in view of the financial condition of the civic body. Even the Mayor was also keen on it then, but the agenda was rejected. A majority of the councilors opined that the MC should not transfer its rights to the UT Administration.

The MC had also sought Rs 28 crores as special grant from the Chandigarh Administration for recarpeting and maintenance of V3 roads falling in its jurisdiction, but the amount was not provided to it.

The MC is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,860 km length of roads, which is approximately 60% of the total road length in the UT.