Garbage, parking woes rock residents’ meet in Panchkula
The Citizens’ Welfare Association (CWA), Panchkula, held a meeting on Sunday at a park in Sector 2 to deliberate on pressing civic issues affecting residents across the city. The meeting, chaired by CWA president S K Nayar, was attended by representatives of 12 Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and 21 CWA members.
Garbage collection and related charges emerged as a key concern. Members alleged that residents who had deposited garbage charges along with property tax bills for the financial years 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 had not received refunds despite exemption by the Municipal Corporation (MC), Panchkula. The association questioned the legality of advance collection of service charges without corresponding services and sought immediate refund of excess payments.
Parking problems in residential and commercial areas were also highlighted. Members pointed to haphazard parking, particularly during late hours, obstructing traffic and hampering emergency services such as fire tenders and ambulances. Congestion in the markets of Sectors 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 20 and 21, as well as near government offices and Alchemist Hospital in Sector 21, was flagged.
Concerns were also raised over the online booking system for community centres, with residents reportedly unable to secure facilities in their own sectors. Allegations of long-term occupation and encroachment were mentioned and members sought restoration of centres for community use, including concessions for senior citizens and NGOs.
Poor road conditions, improper pruning of trees obstructing signage, rising dog bite cases in Sectors 12, 15 and 21 and inadequate road safety markings were also discussed. The meeting concluded with unanimous resolutions authorising the CWA to pursue the matters with the authorities concerned.
