Chandigarh Administration to Hold Monthly Review Meetings with Residents Federation
In a significant move to enhance civic governance, Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria announced on Sunday that the administration will conduct monthly review meetings with the Chandigarh Residents Associations Welfare Federation (Crawfed). These sessions aim to systematically address and resolve pressing civic concerns raised by residents across the city.
Structured Engagement for Civic Issues
The monthly meetings will be chaired by Hitesh Puri and are scheduled for one hour every Wednesday of the month. This structured approach is designed to foster regular dialogue between officials and community representatives, ensuring that resident feedback is incorporated into administrative actions.
Clarification on Encroachment Removal
During the announcement, Kataria clarified recent actions by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) regarding encroachments. He emphasized that only encroachments on government land were removed, and this drive was executed in compliance with court directions in a contempt case. Residents had previously approached the court, leading to this enforcement action.
Infrastructure and Funding Initiatives
On the infrastructure front, Kataria revealed that he has actively pursued the issue of damaged roads with the central government. As a result, Rs 125 crore has been secured for the Municipal Corporation (MC) to undertake comprehensive road repairs throughout Chandigarh. This funding is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and safety.
Focus on Law and Order
Addressing law and order concerns, the administrator stated that the administration's focus remains on ensuring offenders are apprehended within city limits. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen policing and maintain public safety, responding to issues raised in a memorandum submitted by Puri during the interaction.
Water Conservation and Urban Transport
Kataria urged residents to reduce water wastage, citing common practices such as overfilling tanks and excessive car washing. He stressed the importance of conservation in light of urban water challenges.
Regarding urban transport, he proposed that expanding electric bus services would be more practical and cost-effective than pursuing a metro project. Even free bus services would be more economical compared to the high costs associated with metro infrastructure, he added, suggesting a shift in public transport strategy.
Call for Ground-Level Understanding
To better understand on-ground conditions, Kataria suggested that officials and residents spend a day walking or cycling across the city. This initiative aims to promote firsthand observation of civic issues and foster community engagement in urban planning.
Resident Concerns and Future Steps
During the interaction, Puri submitted a memorandum highlighting key concerns related to law and order, senior citizens, and housing board issues. The administration has committed to addressing these points in the upcoming monthly meetings, signaling a proactive approach to resident welfare.
