18-07-2025
Demand to shut Phase 11 RMC point: Mayor issues ultimatum, says ‘lock it up if not resolved by Sept 30'
The Mohali Municipal Corporation meeting Friday witnessed heated discussions over the city's deteriorating sanitation and garbage management. Many councillors raised serious concerns about unhygienic conditions in their areas, issues with RMC (resource management centre) points, and Mohali's disappointing ranking in the recent Swachh Survekshan.
Councillors Harjit Singh Bholu, Kulwant Singh Kaler, and Narpinder Singh Rangi from Phases 10 and 11 staged a protest demanding the closure of the RMC point near the railway line in Phase 11. Holding placards and raising slogans, they claimed that residents of the area were being deprived of clean air.
Issues related to garbage dumping in Phase 5, Sector 71, and other areas were also discussed during the meeting.
Disappointment over cleanliness survey
Councillor Manjit Sethi questioned the Municipal Corporation's performance, stating, 'A prestigious city like Mohali has now turned into a dumping ground.'
Officials assure swift resolution
Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh acknowledged the hurdles caused due to the closure of the dumping ground and assured that a solution would be found soon. He emphasised the importance of waste segregation and informed the House that tenders had been issued to appoint a new private company for door-to-door waste collection.
Mayor's ultimatum on RMC points
Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu issued a stern warning, declaring that if the garbage issue is not resolved by September 30, he would personally join protesting councillors to lock the RMC point. He directly held the state government responsible for not providing a dedicated garbage dumping site.
CSR model for park maintenance sparks debate
There was opposition to the proposal of handing over city parks to corporate houses under the CSR model. Councillors Manjit Sethi, Sukhdev Singh Patwari, and Rangi questioned the accountability of corporates when even contractors aren't being properly monitored. The mayor suggested starting with a pilot project in five parks, which was passed unanimously.
Biometric attendance and other resolutions passed
A unanimous resolution was passed to install biometric attendance systems in the respective departments where staff are deployed. Several other resolutions were also passed as per procedure.
Gaushala, ward work, and sewerage issues raised
Councillor Gurmeet Kaur raised concerns over the gaushala in Phase 1, citing bad odour, filth, and risk of infections, especially due to its proximity to a hospital, making it a public health hazard.
Councillor Baljeet Kaur accused officials of political bias in stalling work in her ward and warned of escalating the issue to higher authorities.
Rainwater drainage system demands
Councillors Rupinder Kaur Reena and Baljeet Kaur demanded the release of Rs 200 crore by the state government to improve the rainwater drainage system. The Commissioner stated that unless each area manages its own water outflow, the problem would persist. He proposed a plan to widen the causeways.
