Bring three Karnal sectors under MC, CM Saini urged

The demand for the inclusion of Sectors 4, 5 and 16 in the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has intensified, with residents and public representatives raising the issue on various platforms.

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A delegation led by Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand, Ward 8 Councillor Sankalp Bhandari — under whose ward the sectors fall – along with his wife and former Councillor Megha Bhandari met Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Chandigarh in this regard. They urged the CM to include the sectors in the KMC to ensure better civic management and development.

The delegation pointed out that while the state government had already announced the transfer of maintenance responsibilities for developed sectors from the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Sectors 4, 5 and 16 continue to be maintained by the HSVP. They specifically requested the inclusion of water and sewerage services of the sectors in the KMC’s control to streamline the tendering process for maintenance and development work.

MLA Anand informed the CM that the HSVP had written to the ULB Department in December 2024, directing them to take over these sectors by February 28, 2025. However, even after more than two months, the handing over of the sectors is yet to take place. “We raised the issue with the CM, who assured us that these sectors will be transferred to the KMC soon,” Anand said.

Councillor Bhandari highlighted that the KMC house, under the leadership of Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, had already passed a resolution supporting the inclusion of the sectors under the civic body. Despite this, the formal transfer of the sectors to the KMC has not occurred.

“Currently, the sectors fall under HSVP, which means that any maintenance work requires approval from the Chandigarh headquarters, leading to delay at times. Residents want swift resolution to water and sewerage-related issues, which would be possible if KMC handles these services,” Bhandari said.

Megha Bhandari, vice-president and chairperson of the Haryana Welfare Society for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment, said she had raised the issue multiple times during her tenure as a councillor.

“Our ward is split — one part is under KMC, while the other part falls under HSVP, leading to delays and confusion. Equal development has been a challenge due to the dual administration. We request the CM to expedite the transfer,” she added.