Chaos in Sirsa MC House meeting over civic issues, allegations of corruption

A House meeting of the Sirsa Municipal Council(MC), held on Thursday at the PWD Rest House on Barnala Road, turned stormy as councillors strongly criticised the functioning of the civic body, alleging corruption, poor infrastructure and neglect of public concerns.

The meeting, chaired by MC Chairman Veer Shanti Swaroop, was attended by public health officials and councillors. Several councillors expressed frustration over the poor condition of roads, drainage systems and the growing problem of waterlogging in the city.

Councillors claimed that they were unaware of contractors, who were working in their areas. They said officials and contractors ignored them completely. Three government nominated councillors were sworn in before the session began. Soon after, there were heated exchanges, while sewerage problems were raised, but public health officials gave only verbal assurances to councillors.

Ward No. 18 councillor Rajendra Sardana alleged that payments for street works were passed without completion of any actual work. “Contractors are sitting elsewhere and getting paid,” he said. He further said, Sirsa’s sanitation ranking had dropped as garbage had piled up everywhere in the city.

Space allotted for sub-station

During the Municipal Council House meeting, councillors agreed to provide space in the auto market area for setting up a new electricity sub-station. This station will improve power supply in the nearby areas. The Public Health Department requested land for a boosting station through the Deputy Commissioner. The request for the site in the auto market was also approved during the meeting. A new finance committee was constituted to handle all purchases and expenses of the civic body.

Ward No. 32 councillor Asha said, “Sirsa has turned into a swimming pool. After every rain, rainwater floods city.”

Ward No. 8 councillor Sangeeta Sachdeva said, “The Municipal Council has no real value anymore. We just want development. The title of councillor means nothing if we can’t get work done in the city.” She said Chairman had dismissed an application, which councillors tried to submit on behalf of MLA Gokul Setia, while saying he would only accept it if the legislator came personally.

Councillors Monika and Annu Malhotra said all departments were passing the buck. “Public Health Department blames the committee. The committee blames Public Health Department. Work in streets is unfinished. Sewer lines are choked,” councillors said.

Councillor Asha said residents bring glasses of dirty water to them, asking if this is what they were expected to drink. “No testing is done or solution offered to tackle the issue of contaminated water supply. Officials don’t take us seriously,” she said. When the MC Chairman suggested a break for lunch, Asha responded, “Lunch can wait. First, solve our issues.”