YEARENDER: Infra boost amid cleanliness slump, safety concerns

Urban development

One of the defining themes of the year has been Panchkula’s focused investment in infrastructure. In December, the Municipal Corporation inaugurated development works worth Rs 7 crore, targeting improved road connectivity, drainage, power supply, sanitation and solid waste management facilities in Wards 19 and 20. These projects included a new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Alipur, enhanced drainage systems and upgraded sewage treatment plant power connections, aimed at long-term public benefit.

The same month also saw announcements of enhanced recreational infrastructure in Sector 10, including badminton courts, open-air gyms and park upgrades. These additions reflect the civic body’s attempt to balance urban needs with quality-of-life improvements for residents. Earlier in the year, the city began the construction of six new community centres across multiple sectors and villages, set for completion within three months.

Beyond the city limits, the state government sanctioned a 61-kilometre network of paver-block roads connecting hilly villages in Morni and Kalka, addressing longstanding connectivity issues and promising smoother travel for locals.

The ambitious plan to construct a new six-lane highway linking Ambala with Panchkula also featured prominently in 2025, signalling a future boost to regional connectivity and economic activity.

Civic issues, public concerns

In 2025 Panchkula’s civic image suffered a blow when it slipped dramatically in the national cleanliness survey. City’s Swachh Survekshan ranking fell from 139th to 219th place despite efforts to improve water and sanitation practices. Recurring heavy rains earlier in the year exposed weaknesses in stormwater drains and blocked gullies, undermining official claims of readiness and highlighting the city’s vulnerability to monsoon onslaughts.

At the same time, air quality became a pressing concern in December. Data showed Panchkula consistently recorded “very poor” air quality, at times ranking among the worst in northern India and even the country, with AQI levels in the 300s due to weather conditions, stagnating pollutants and emissions.

These environmental challenges underscored growing demands from residents for stronger action on pollution control and urban cleanliness, highlighting the city’s struggle to balance rapid growth with sustainable living conditions.

Traffic safety also came under scrutiny. Citizens complained throughout the year about VIP-movement which led to restrictions on certain roads and inconveniences for daily commuters. Besides this, many traffic lights did not work, roads remained inaccessible due to construction work.

Law and order

Panchkula Police registered 124 drug trafficking cases and 255 persons were arrested, compared to 118 cases last year. The police seized 246 kg poppy husk, over 13 kg opium, 1.93 kg heroin, 17 kg charas and 20,410 intoxicant tablets. Properties of six drug traffickers were demolished, four were attached, and drugs worth crores seized in 123 cases were destroyed. Treatment was initiated for 2,736 drug addicts, with 132 sent to rehabilitation centres.

Crimes against women showed a marked decline, with molestation cases falling by about 20 per cent and rape cases dropping by nearly 50 per cent. Cybercrime cases reduced from 169 to 156, while arrests rose to 173, and Rs 3.21 crore was recovered and returned to victims. The police also recovered 150 stolen mobile phones worth over Rs 22 lakh.

Action against illegal liquor, gambling and arms trafficking intensified, leading to 77 arms traffickers arrested and 128 weapons seized. A total of 291 proclaimed offenders were arrested. Traffic enforcement remained strict, with 1.40 lakh challans issued. Emergency response improved significantly, with ERV response time reduced to 8 minutes 5 seconds, reinforcing public confidence in policing.

In illegal mining, Panchkula Police impounded 137 vehicles and registered 179 FIRs much higher than last year’s data of 92 vehicles and 173 FIR’s respectively. Haryana Human Rights Commission took suo -motu cognisance and issued strong warning to concerned department.

Wildlife encounters

Unusual events also made headlines in Panchkula during 2025. In late December, a leopard from the nearby Chandimandir forest entered Sector 6, frightening residents. Although authorities responded swiftly, the animal managed to escape back into the wild.

Just days later, a 12-foot python was captured in Chowki village after residents reported missing pets and livestock. The reptile was safely released into Morni Forest Reserve, but the successive wildlife incidents stirred anxiety among locals and drew attention to the thin line between urban sprawl and natural habitats.

Vibrant cultural events

Throughout the year, city hosted innumerable fairs and festivals that added vibrancy to the city’s social and cultural life. Events such as the Swadeshi Mela, Saras Mela, National Ayurveda Festival (Ayur Mahotsav) 2025, seasonal trade fairs, religious gatherings, food festivals and local exhibitions drew large crowds from Panchkula and neighbouring districts. City also grabbed attention in 2025 for hosting one of the biggest Ravana effigies about 100-ft high during Dashera celebrations.

Amit Shah’s visit

A significant highlight on the political calendar was Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Panchkula visit in December. He was the chief guest at the Mega Cooperative Conference, where he addressed delegates on sustainable agriculture and cooperative growth. Shah also unveiled a 56-foot bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Park, inaugurated related exhibitions and launched development initiatives. Additionally, he presided over the passing-out parade of police personnel and took part in the Veer Bal Diwas programme.

Major crimes

In 2025, Panchkula was shaken by a series of violent and tragic events that drew intense public scrutiny. In June, national kabaddi player and transporter Sonu Naulta was shot outside Amravati Mall in Pinjore. The accused Piyush Piplani and Ankush were later by Delhi Operation Cell after they shot another person, Inderpreet Singh in Chandigarh.

Earlier in May, a family of seven was found dead inside a car in Sector 27, in what authorities initially treated as a mass suicide, with evidence suggesting the group may have consumed poison amid crippling financial distress and heavy debts. Relatives later demanded access to a suicide note to clarify the circumstances.

The mysterious death of Aqil Akhtar, the son of former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa and ex-minister Razia Sultana, who was found unresponsive at his home in Sector 4 and later declared dead at the Civil Hospital. Initial reports suggested a possible overdose, but viral social-media posts by Aqil alleging threats to his life prompted a formal FIR on suspicion of murder and conspiracy.

Looking ahead to 2026, Panchkula is set to witness several key civic developments. Mother and Child Care Hospital is also expected to be functional in 2026. The city’s first Material Recovery Facility at Alipur and its maiden horticulture waste processing plant in the industrial area are likely to become operational.