Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar/Chandigarh, May 29: Punjab Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh today announced upgradation of Municipal Corporation status to Zirakpur Municipal Council while visiting Zirakpur.
In view of the rapid urban expansion of the city, he said that an empowered local body is required for effective management of amenities like better drinking water supply, sewerage treatment and sanitation. He appealed to MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa to send a formal proposal to the Local Bodies Department through the Municipal Council so that the process can be initiated soon. He confirmed that this change will be implemented before the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Zirakpur.
The Cabinet Minister, who arrived here in the morning to inspect the cleanliness and other civic amenities, expressed displeasure over the unhygienic conditions in the city and directed to increase the number of sanitation workers and improve the system.
Expressing concern over the blockage and accumulation of garbage in Sukhna Choe, which also carries liquid waste from Chandigarh, he ordered immediate cleaning of the same before the monsoon with the help of the drainage department. He appealed to the people not to throw garbage in the Choe, which may lead to flood like situation.
He visited the furniture market of Ballatana and announced that a high level bridge will soon be constructed on Sukhna Choe at a cost of Rs. 5.96 crore to provide relief to the people during rains.
Dr. Ravjot Singh inspected the old Kalka Road and Dhakoli area and reviewed the cleaning work and directed deployment of more sanitation workers. He said that the poor condition of roads and lanes affects the health of the people.
He informed that two new STPs, one of 47 MLD and the other of 37 MLD will be set up soon. The first one will be built at Sanoli and the land has been handed over to the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, while the search for land for the second one is on.
When MLA Randhawa raised the issue of excess water coming from Panchkula, the minister directed the officials to meet the officials of Haryana government and resolve the issue soon.
While talking to journalists, the minister referred to the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and said that the government is serious about solving the problems of the urban population and the responsibility of the officers who show laxity will be fixed. He said that the officers should take some time out from their duty and assess the ground reality.
On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, ADC (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Executive Officer Jagjit Singh Judge and officials of Water Supply and Sewerage Board were also present with him.