Delayed Divya Nagar initiative to beautify Karnal city likely to move forward

The long-delayed plan to beautify Karnal city under the ‘Divya Nagar’ initiative is expected to move forward, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led High-Power Purchase Committee likely to give its final approval during a meeting scheduled on August 11 in Chandigarh.

The Divya Nagar Yojana was announced by former Chief Minister and current Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on March 8, 2022, to promote the social, cultural, and environmental development of urban areas by enhancing the city’s beauty.

An official associated with the project said the process to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) began in February 2024. Although tenders were floated, the required number of agencies did not participate initially. Even after multiple attempts, the process could not be completed due to a low response. In March 2025, the tenders were floated again and both technical and financial bids had since been opened. The final rate approvals for both projects are now pending before the high-power committee.

As per the officials, there are two projects. One project, costing nearly Rs 8.66 crore, involves the beautification of five major roads in the city, covering around 8.4 kilometres. These roads include from ITI Chowk to Maharaja Agrasen Chowk, from Agrasen Chowk to Ambedkar Chowk, from Ambedkar Chowk to PWD Rest House, from Mini-Secretariat Chowk to Shri Krishan Pranami Mandir on Arut Ji Maharaj Road, and from Nirmal Kutia to Sector12 Patrol Pump have been taken.

The second project, worth Rs 9.07 crore, focuses on the upgradation of 20 parks and 16 prominent roundabouts.

“Tenders have been floated for both projects. For financial approval, the files have been sent to the CM and are expected to be cleared on August 11,” said OP Kardam, Executive Engineer (XEN), Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC).

Mayor Renu Bala Gupta said the project would significantly enhance the city’s visual appeal and provide better facilities for residents.

“The beautification will include civil work, fountains, railings, boundary walls, pedestrian and cycle tracks, stone sculptures, water bodies, seating areas, flower beds, lighting, and other aesthetic features,” said Gupta.