Chandigarh :
Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday announced an additional ₹25 crore for the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) in the revised estimates to speed up development works across the city.
Addressing the MC’s general house meeting, Kataria assured full support to the civic body and lauded Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and MC Commissioner Amit Kumar for effectively bringing citizens’ concerns to the fore. He stressed the need to streamline vendor-related issues, curb exploitation by mafia groups, and supported the proposal to increase the tenure of the mayor’s post. “If needed, I will meet the Union Home Minister on this issue,” Kataria said, urging councillors to work collectively to make Chandigarh number one in all spheres.
Mayor Babla attributed the MC’s improving financial health to Kataria’s guidance, citing better revenue collection. She announced plans for a single parking pass for residents, priced at ₹500 per month for four-wheelers and ₹250 for two-wheelers. She also said the MC is replacing old water pipelines and renovating six community centres.
MC Commissioner Amit Kumar presented the corporation’s financial position, highlighting improved revenue recovery. Several councillors raised issues related to ownership rights and the land pooling policy.
Congress councillor Sachin Galav demanded implementation of the anti-defection law and a five-year tenure for the mayor, while AAP councillor Yogesh Dhingra called for scrapping the proposed 24×7 water supply project.
