Latest news with #MunicipalCorporation
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mohali civic body to spend Rs 80 lakh on renting pumps again
Despite repeated failure to provide relief to people in the rainy season, the Mohali Municipal Corporation is once again relying on the same drainage system involving pumps, which has proven ineffective in the past. This time, it plans to rent tractor-mounted de-watering pumps at a cost of Rs 80 lakh for a period of three months. This move has drawn criticism not only from the public but also from several municipal councillors. To date, the Municipal Corporation has failed to implement a lasting solution to waterlogging. The same temporary pump-based system, which failed last year when pumps stopped working mid-rain, is being proposed again. Councillors argue that the amount being spent could be better utilised in establishing a permanent drainage solution. According to residents, areas like Phase 3B2, 4, 5, Phase 11, and Sectors 70 and 71 experience severe flooding each monsoon. Parts of Phase 1 are also significantly affected, leading to major inconvenience and financial losses for residents. In response, the corporation plans to install the rented pumps in these areas and deploy personnel to ensure immediate drainage during rainfall. In 2016, the MC appointed a team of PEC engineers to address the issue of water logging. The team pointed out flaws in the city's old drainage system and recommended laying 26 km of new pipelines with diameters ranging from 80–100 mm. They also suggested installing a rainwater harvesting system and channeling excess water into the seasonal rivulet, Patiala Ki Rao. However, despite the passage of nine years, the MC has taken no action on the report. As a result, low-lying areas remain affected, and during every monsoon, homes and streets are repeatedly flooded, causing residents continuous inconvenience and financial losses amounting to lakhs of rupees. What Officials Say In this regard, when several attempts were made to contact Commissioner Municipal Council Parminder Pal Singh, he could not be contacted on the phone. Amrik Singh Somal, Senior Deputy Mayor & councillor, Sector 71 'GMADA has not been cooperating in resolving this issue. In fact, they raised the levels of Airport Road and the Kumbhra-Balongi Road, which has caused rainwater to flood into sectors 70 and 71. We demand permission to lay pipelines up to the Kumbhra Light Point to enable proper drainage and offer a permanent solution.' Kuljit Singh Bedi, Deputy Mayor & councillor, Phase 3B2: 'This issue arises every year, causing immense trouble to residents. While a permanent solution is still pending, renting pumps is currently the only option for temporary relief. Unfortunately, this has become an annual compulsion.' Baljit Kaur, councillor, Phase 5 'After the construction of a causeway on the Phase 5 road, some relief was observed in the HIG and 7.5 marla belts. However, the 10 marla belt continues to suffer from rainwater accumulation. The best solution is to install direct pipelines to the Balongi drain.' Rupinder Kaur Reena, councillor, Phase 4 'Renting pumps is a waste of public money. Instead of spending such a large amount on temporary equipment, a causeway should be constructed on the dividing road. It would cost less and solve the problem effectively.' Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu 'A comprehensive drainage project worth Rs 200 crore has been planned after conducting a survey. However, this project is beyond the financial scope of the Municipal Corporation. We have written to the government for financial assistance. Once the funds are received, we will begin work to ensure a permanent solution to the city's waterlogging issue.'
Hans India
4 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
Monsoon preparedness: 33 dilapidated buildings in Gujarat's Bhavnagar get evacuation notice
As Bhavnagar braces for the onset of the monsoon expected within the next 15 days, the Municipal Corporation has swung into action with its pre-monsoon preparedness. A key component of this effort has been a city-wide survey by the Estate Department, which has identified 227 dilapidated properties, including 91 multi-storey buildings, posing potential risks during heavy rain. Of these, 33 multi-storey buildings have been declared extremely dangerous, and the administration has issued final evacuation notices to their residents and commercial occupants. Property owners have been instructed to vacate these premises immediately after failing to carry out safety repairs despite earlier warnings. In 51 of the 91 high-rises, conditions are deemed so hazardous that the Corporation has ordered the disconnection of electricity, water, and sewerage services - a move set to be implemented starting next week. Simultaneously, the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched comprehensive pre-monsoon work across key departments, including roads, drainage, storm water systems, street lighting, fire services, and tree trimming. The coordinated effort aims to minimise disruptions and mitigate risks ahead of the expected rainfall, which the State Meteorological Department has predicted will begin affecting the region shortly. The civic body is also taking proactive steps in government housing areas. The Estate Department has written to the Rajkot office of the Gujarat Housing Board, flagging 1,177 houses in 81 blocks across 11 settlements in Bhavnagar as structurally unsafe. Authorities have called for the immediate vacation or suspension of the usage of these units. Further, notices have been served to vacate 660 houses in 55 blocks within nine settlements, reinforcing the administration's strict stance on pre-monsoon safety. Officials have invoked Section 264 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations (GPMC) Act, urging swift repairs or evacuation of risky structures to prevent potential disasters during the rains. In Surat, the Municipal Corporation has issued notices to owners of 15 old and dangerous buildings in the old city area, directing them to undertake immediate repairs or demolish the structures to avert any mishaps. Rajkot authorities have taken a firm stance against neglected repairs in the Gokuldam Housing Scheme, warning residents that water supply will be cut off if necessary maintenance is not promptly conducted. In Jamnagar, a tragic incident occurred when a three-storey building in Sadhna Colony collapsed, resulting in three fatalities. This has prompted the Gujarat Housing Board to survey approximately 6,000 homes constructed in the Saurashtra region, aiming to identify and mitigate risks associated with aging structures. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad is proactively addressing monsoon-related challenges by investing over Rs 10 crore in constructing percolating wells across the city to manage rainwater accumulation. Additionally, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has approved building designs with elevated plinth levels to prevent water ingress during heavy rain.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Bandi launches devpt works
Karimnagar: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar launched various development works at the Municipal Corporation office in Karimnagar on Saturday. He spoke to the media alongside Choppadandi MLA Medipalli Satyam, former MLA Bodige Shobha, and former Karimnagar Mayor Sunil Rao. The minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the farmers of Telangana for the Union Cabinet's decision to increase the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops. Regarding the recent death of 18 cows within the Vemulawada Rajanna temple premises, Bandi said that officials mishandled the situation. 'It is the responsibility of officials to provide adequate facilities. The temple Executive Officer must ensure facilities for the cattle,' he urged.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Will rope in corporates for upkeep of parks in Mohali under CSR: mayor
In a move to enhance the upkeep of major parks in Mohali, Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu has announced plans to collaborate with corporate houses under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Speaking with the Indian Express, the mayor said, 'Key parks like Nature Park, Silvi Park, City Park in Sector 68, Kargil Park, Rose Garden, and Bougainvillea Park will soon be maintained by corporate groups. Mohali is home to several major corporates that can effectively utilise CSR funds for this purpose.' The mayor said, 'Coordination with these companies will be established soon, allowing them to adopt parks and invest in their upkeep. In return, the Municipal Corporation may grant them the right to display advertisements at these parks, a practice already implemented at various roundabouts across the city.' Taking inspiration from Western models, Sidhu said, 'Small cafeterias can also be set up at parks for morning and evening visitors. These can serve as informal meeting spaces.' He emphasised, 'Corporates are already mandated to spend CSR funds, and channelling those towards city beautification will not only fulfil that requirement but also significantly uplift Mohali's public spaces.' 'If these funds are spent wisely and positively, it will transform the city's appearance,' he added.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Murree sets up cattle market for Eidul Azha
The Murree district administration has set up a dedicated cattle market to facilitate citizens ahead of Eidul Azha. The market was inaugurated recently at the ground located below Jheka Gali on Hill Dholu Road, one of the most picturesque spots in Murree city, where the Municipal Corporation has organised the facility. The Municipal Corporation has urged livestock sellers and buyers from the local community to cooperate with the administration and bring their animals to the designated market. Issuing official instructions, Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi emphasised that the cattle market has been established at a specific location to ensure cleanliness during the Eid festivities. He further warned that no cattle markets would be allowed on other roads or areas, and that a strict action would be taken against anyone violating these regulations. On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has finalised cleaning arrangements, including the removal of waste ahead of Eid under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's vision and "Suthra Punjab Programme". Following the directives of RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar, a grand cleaning operation is underway across all tehsils of the Rawalpindi Division. This operation includes specialised waste clearance and sanitation efforts in city streets, highways, markets, residential areas, and cattle markets, running round the clock. With Eidul Azha approaching, waste lifting, manual sweeping, lime sprinkling, and immediate cleaning are being conducted daily in all cattle markets of Rawalpindi, including Murree, under a coordinated strategy. The operation manager in Murree, Talha Mir, is supervising the sanitary workers actively deployed in the field. RWMC CEO Safdar is closely monitoring the "Clean Punjab Programme" in the division and reviewing daily field reports.
