Chandigarh Municipal House Meeting Descends into Chaos Over Water and Cattle Issues
The monthly general House meeting of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation witnessed significant turmoil on Wednesday as opposition councillors launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led administration. The primary grievances centered on the severe problem of contaminated water in Mauli Jagran, irregular water supply across multiple villages and colonies, and the tragic incident of cattle deaths reported last month.
Opposition Councillors Stage Protest with Anti-BJP Posters
Immediately after the commencement of the House session, councillors from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entered the well of the House carrying posters critical of the BJP. They began raising loud slogans, disrupting the proceedings to highlight the pressing public health and civic issues. The protest underscored the growing frustration among residents and their elected representatives regarding basic amenities.
Congress Alleges Child's Death Due to Contaminated Water in Mauli Jagran
Congress councillors made a grave accusation, claiming that the contaminated water supply in Mauli Jagran had recently led to the death of a child. They vehemently criticized the BJP-ruled Municipal Corporation, asserting its failure to ensure clean and regular water supply to the area's residents. This allegation added a deeply emotional and urgent dimension to the already heated debate.
BJP Councillor Criticizes MC Officers for Neglecting Water Concerns
In a notable development, area municipal councillor Manoj Sonkar, who belongs to the BJP, openly criticized officers from the MC's public health wing. Sonkar stated, "I had constantly raised the issue related to the contaminated water in my municipal ward, but the officers concerned of the public health wing did not take this seriously." He further explained that his ward lacks canal water supply, relying instead on three tubewells, and noted that similar incidents of water contamination had occurred there in the past.
Widespread Complaints of Irregular and Contaminated Water Supply
Councillors from other colonies and villages also voiced their concerns during the meeting, reporting issues of both contaminated and irregular water supply in their respective wards. This highlighted that the problem extends beyond Mauli Jagran, affecting a broader segment of Chandigarh's population and pointing to systemic failures in water management.
AAP Demands Special Meeting on Gaushala Management After Cattle Deaths
AAP members intensified the protest by entering the well to demonstrate against the recent cattle deaths. Hardeep Singh, AAP councillor and leader of the opposition, demanded a special general House meeting dedicated solely to the issue of running and managing all gaushalas (cow shelters) in the city. This call for action reflects concerns over animal welfare and the management of urban cattle facilities.
MC Commissioner Responds with Assurance of Investigations
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar addressed both contentious issues during the meeting. Regarding Mauli Jagran, he stated, "In the matter pertaining to Mauli Jagran, the sampling of the entire area was done and all samples of the water were found right. Though we have decided on a detailed third-party inspection of the area, which will take the samples also and give a detailed report to the MC." This indicates that while initial tests showed no contamination, a more thorough independent investigation has been ordered to ensure transparency and accuracy.
On the cattle deaths, Commissioner Kumar added, "On cattle deaths, the Chandigarh administration has probed the matter in detail while keeping all aspects in mind and, therefore, before the report by the UT administration, nothing can be done in this regard." This response suggests that the matter is under active investigation by higher authorities, and the MC awaits their findings before taking further action.
The heated exchanges and protests during the House meeting underscore the critical challenges facing Chandigarh's civic infrastructure. The issues of water quality and animal welfare have not only sparked political confrontation but also raised serious questions about governance and public health accountability in the city.
