File for need-based changes in commercial, residential areas forwarded to govt, says Mohali MLA

Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh today raised hopes of a new need-based policy for city residents in the residential and commercial areas as well.

The MLA said the file for changes in need-based policy for booths and commercial areas was forwarded to the government. “The government is sympathetically considering it and hopefully something will come out of it,” he said.

It was around 2016-17 when the government gave its assent for need-based changes. Booth owners in different markets of the city have been urging the government to allow a second storey as the existing size of the booth is too small for business purpose. “I have recommended double storey for booths,” the MLA said.

Booth owners have been demanding a provision for single storey on the existing booth with internal staircase by paying additional charges.

Municipal councillors and local residents have been demanding a clear policy on operating food courts in booth markets of the city.

“Food courts have come up in every booth market of the city. Neither do they have legal water supply nor do they have a provision for discharge of waste water. Majority of booth owners are operating food courts illegally, creating unhygienic conditions in markets. The waste material chokes drainage lines and road gullies. Either make a provision for them with all facilities or stop them completely,” said Kuljinder Sran, a Phase-3B2 resident.

Regarding the need-based policy for residential properties, the MLA said, “I have already announced that the government will bring in a new need-based policy and it is possible very soon.”

In Sector 70, residents have been demanding the provision of lifts in three and four storey houses. In other sectors, residents have been demanding the provision of covered area over two-storey houses. Extension in front and back side of houses according to the building byelaws, is also being demanded by residents.