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Joint efforts needed to address Chandigarh's challenges, says Kataria

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to addressing various issues and challenges related to the city. Kataria was speaking at a meeting of the newly constituted 54-member Administrator’s Advisory Council...
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Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla greets Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
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Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to addressing various issues and challenges related to the city. Kataria was speaking at a meeting of the newly constituted 54-member Administrator’s Advisory Council (AAC) held under his chairmanship today. “Our goal is to develop and implement policies that not only enhance governance, but also improve the quality of life of our citizens,” he said. UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma asked the members to share their views, give suggestions on various issues related to healthcare, education, sports, tourism and transport to pave the way for the development of city.

The members gave suggestions regarding strengthening governance framework for better transparency and accountability, improving sanitation, upgrading and optimally utilising existing healthcare facilities and strengthening the education system.

Chandigarh Congress president HS Lucky raised concerns regarding the role of the Heritage Committee. He asserted that its jurisdiction should be limited to the Capitol Complex, but instead it has become a hindrance to resolving various civic issues. He claimed that the committee’s current composition often obstructs public interest matters, advocating for broader representation to ensure more inclusive decision making.

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AAC member Kamaljit Singh Panchhi highlighted traffic congestion and parking issues in Chandigarh. He stated that the city was grappling with severe traffic congestion and it was high time to integrate AI technology into traffic management systems. To address parking issues, he proposed the construction of multi-level parking structures, the development of dedicated surface parking areas for local needs and the establishment of underground parking facilities beneath existing parking zones adjacent to roadways.

Dr Sanjeev Bhatia pointed out deficiencies in the city’s healthcare infrastructure. He noted that civil hospitals in Sector 45, Mani Majra, and Sector 48 remain under-utilised, with only 30% of their capacity being used. As a result, the entire burden falls on PGIMER, GMCH-32, and GMSH-16. Federation of Sector Welfare Association of Chandigarh (FOSWAC) Chairman, Baljinder Singh Bittoo, raised concerns over encroachment and the growing number of beggars in the city. He stated that most pedestrian paths had been encroached upon and the UT Administration had failed to remove them.

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Charanjiv Singh, president, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, suggested shops at Grain Market in Sector 39 should be sold on freehold basis under the Agriculture Marketing Act, conversion scheme should be launched to convert already sold commercial and industrial property from leasehold to freehold to fulfil long pending demand of the public.

Various inputs were given regarding startup policy, skilling and industry related issues to boost investment, employment and entrepreneurship. The members also gave suggestions for making Chandigarh ‘slum free’, ‘beggar free’ and the need to have a comprehensive policy for the differently abled as well the elderly population residing in the city.

Addressing the Council, Kataria said, “We need to make collective efforts to transform Chandigarh into a modern city, setting a benchmark for urban development, sustainability and citizen centric governance.” The Administrator emphasised the need for working together for a comprehensive roadmap for Chandigarh’s growth with focus on community participation in leading city’s transformation by adopting innovative policy solutions.

Mayor raises issues of villagers, farmers

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla has urged the UT Administrator to take immediate action on the pressing issues faced by the residents and farmers of villages in the city.

The Mayor highlighted the urgent need for regular water connections for residents living outside Lal Dora in 24 villages of Chandigarh. These residents are currently dependent on expensive water tankers, despite having been provided with electricity connections.

She emphasised that water is a basic necessity and urged the UT Administration to direct the Municipal Corporation to amend the Water byelaws to facilitate legal water connections.

Additionally, the Mayor advocated for the implementation of a Land Pooling Policy on the lines of Punjab and Haryana for Chandigarh villages. The proposal, which was unanimously passed by the MC House in 2022, aims to develop approximately 2,900-3,000 acres of land through a structured and legal mechanism. This policy will not only curb illegal encroachments but also prove a win-win solution for both farmers and the administration — ensuring planned urban development while securing landowners’ interests.

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