Chandigarh Mayor's First Janata Darbar Tackles Civic Infrastructure and Vendor Concerns
Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi's inaugural Janata Darbar at the Municipal Corporation office on Monday became a platform for residents to voice pressing civic grievances, with sewerage issues, waterlogging, and poor road conditions dominating the discussions. The event, organized under the theme "Your City, Your Voice," aimed to bridge the gap between citizens and administration through direct dialogue.
Core Civic Infrastructure Takes Center Stage
Residents from various sectors highlighted numerous infrastructure challenges that affect daily life in the city. Key complaints included:
- Sewerage-related problems, such as the need for shifting chambers and laying new lines
- Persistent waterlogging issues during monsoon seasons
- Gaps in sanitation services across different areas
- Poor road conditions and urgent demands for road reconstruction
- Maintenance concerns regarding greenbelts, parks, and public gardens
The mayor directed concerned departments to examine these complaints thoroughly and ensure time-bound redressal, emphasizing the importance of accountability in civic governance.
Street Vendors and Labor Unions Voice Their Struggles
Beyond infrastructure, organized groups representing street vendors and labor unions raised significant concerns about their livelihoods and working conditions. Their grievances included:
- Demands for waiver of vendor fees and penalties accumulated over time
- Requests for continuation of stay orders related to street vending activities
- Need for change of vending sites to more suitable locations
- Complaints against illegal vending that affects legitimate businesses
- Specific issues faced by vendors and workers at Railway Station and ISBT areas
Broader Urban Concerns and Administrative Response
The Janata Darbar also addressed wider urban mobility and public convenience matters. Several representations focused on:
- Construction of designated e-rickshaw stands with essential facilities like toilets and drinking water
- Problems related to sealing of residential and commercial properties, with demands for policy clarity
- Service-related issues including rejoining of duty, wage disparity among municipal workers, and revision of labor rates
- Concerns from LIG and EWS housing societies regarding sewerage connectivity and basic amenities
- Demands for permanent sewerage connections in peripheral and developing city areas
The event saw participation from MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, Special Commissioner Pradeep Kumar, Joint Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Dr. Inder Jeet, and senior officers from various departments, enabling on-the-spot coordination and directions.
Mayor's Commitment to Participative Governance
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Saurabh Joshi stated, "The Janata Darbar is aimed at strengthening participative governance and ensuring that citizens' concerns reach the decision-making level." He emphasized that citizen welfare remains the top priority and directed all departments to act with both accountability and sensitivity in addressing these issues.
The mayor further instructed officials to submit action-taken reports within stipulated timelines, ensuring that the grievances raised during the Janata Darbar translate into concrete administrative actions. This initiative marks a significant step toward more responsive urban governance in Chandigarh.
