Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has dismissed discussions about excluding Karnal from the National Capital Region (NCR), stating that the issues which had prompted such demands in the past have been resolved by the government.
Revised Framework for Environmental Restrictions
Speaking to the media in Karnal on Sunday, Khattar said, "As the CM of Haryana, I had also felt that some districts should be taken out of the NCR. The objections that were raised at that time have since been resolved, and all states have agreed to the changes." He explained that environmental restrictions imposed under NCR regulations had created difficulties for certain districts. To address these concerns, a revised framework has been adopted, under which restrictions will be imposed in a phased manner depending on the prevailing situation.
"Environmental restrictions will first be implemented in Delhi and the first ring surrounding it. The second and third rings will face restrictions later, depending on the circumstances. The states and districts that had sought exclusion fall within the third ring," he said.
RRTS to Karnal and Other Developments
On the proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to Karnal, Khattar said Cabinet approval is expected within the next week. He is on a two-day visit to his constituency. On Saturday evening, he participated in a conference of intellectuals at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC). On Sunday, he chaired a district-level programme to mark International Yoga Day at the New Grain Market.
Khattar also filled his self-enumeration form under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign in the city and appealed to people to actively participate and verify their voter details. "The SIR campaign is aimed at ensuring transparency in electoral rolls by removing duplicate and multiple voter entries. No valid voter is being removed under the campaign," he said. He noted that Karnal district has achieved around 92% coverage in the distribution of enumeration forms, placing it among the top-performing districts in Haryana.
Reactions to Political Issues
Responding to protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and CBSE exam evaluation, Khattar termed such protests "baseless and unnecessary issues." He added, "The people of the country want development and positive politics, not needless controversies."
On the issue of political expansion of the BJP in Punjab, Khattar expressed confidence about the party's prospects. Asked about Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students after the NEET controversy, Khattar said political leaders are free to engage with people and present their views. "He is doing his work, and we are doing ours. Such interactions should take place. Ultimately, it is for the people to decide how they view these efforts," he said.
