Mohali Mayor Convenes Emergency Meeting to Tackle Stalled Civic Progress
In a significant move to address mounting civic concerns, Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu has called for an urgent Municipal Corporation House meeting scheduled for Monday. The meeting aims to deliberate on critical issues plaguing the city, including deteriorating cleanliness standards, stalled development projects, and growing public safety threats.
Political Interference Halts Development Works
Mayor Sidhu expressed deep frustration over the persistent obstruction of development initiatives, attributing the delays to narrow political mindsets. "When the political mindset becomes narrow, progress in cleanliness and development becomes impossible," he stated emphatically. The mayor highlighted specific instances where major road maintenance projects in Phase 1 to Phase 11, Balongi to Phase 11, and TDI to the Airport road were assigned to senior officials but failed to show improvement due to alleged interference.
Accusing the local MLA of deliberately obstructing ongoing works, Sidhu revealed that contractors are often forced to halt projects despite work orders being issued. "Payments are cleared through officials and bills are passed by them, which leads to delays and obstruction in work," he explained, urging residents to recognize that such approaches do not benefit the city.
Deteriorating Cleanliness and Public Safety Concerns
The mayor painted a grim picture of Mohali's current state, noting that cleanliness has deteriorated to embarrassing levels. "Cleanliness in the city has deteriorated to such an extent that we have to repeat the same issue again and again. It feels embarrassing even saying it," he lamented. Beyond sanitation, Sidhu raised alarms over the law and order situation, citing incidents of murder, theft, and attacks that have left residents feeling unsafe even in their own homes.
Key Agenda Items for the Monday Meeting
The Municipal Corporation House meeting will address several pressing issues:
- Hazardous Trees: The mayor highlighted the risk posed by mature, dry trees aged 60 to 70 years, which often fall and damage vehicles, power lines, and houses. Forest Department officials have been invited to discuss legal measures for trimming or removing these hazardous trees.
- Pothole and Footpath Repairs: Sidhu proposed forming a dedicated team to promptly repair potholes and damaged footpaths, emphasizing that delays waste taxpayers' money.
- Incomplete Projects: Expressing anger over unfinished development works, particularly rainwater drainage systems, the mayor noted that projects are often stopped after 90-95% completion, rendering previous expenditures futile.
Appeal for Government Intervention
Mayor Sidhu made a direct appeal to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and senior officials to urgently address Mohali's deteriorating condition. He warned that if the government and officials fail to act responsibly, the city's situation could worsen further. "We will continue our efforts, but the system must be fixed to ensure cleanliness and development in Mohali," he asserted, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to overcome political hurdles and bureaucratic delays.
