PANCHKULA: The Panchkula Municipal Corporation is set to conduct its first General House meeting on June 16 at the PWD Rest House. The agenda includes discussions on transforming Ward No. 4 into a model cleanliness ward and introducing a one-time interest waiver on outstanding property tax dues. Mayor Shyam Lal Bansal will chair the meeting, which will also include MP Varun Kumar, MLAs Chander Mohan and Shakti Rani Sharma, along with officials from various departments.
Councillor Bharat Hiteshi submitted a proposal for a property tax amnesty that aims to eliminate around ₹20 crore in accrued interest from a total outstanding debt of over ₹100 crore, with the goal of recovering the principal to enhance civic finances. Hiteshi has proposed suspending garbage user charges until door-to-door waste collection extends beyond the current 50% coverage to all municipal households.
The model initiative for Ward No. 4 includes a rigorous sanitation plan mandating street cleaning three times a week, daily garden waste collection using specialized trolleys, regular door-to-door garbage pick-up, and periodic mechanical cleaning of major roads to address litter issues. The proposal also requests the addition of 20 sanitation workers for Sectors 9 and 10, as well as more bush cutters and maintenance staff.
The agenda includes major upgrades to civic infrastructure, starting with plans to vacate and demolish the outdated community center in Sector 9, currently housing the malaria wing of the health department. Staff will be relocated to facilitate the establishment of a modern community center. The plan also addresses significant waterlogging issues in Sectors 9 and 10 by proposing the completion of pending sump well projects near houses 465 and 486 in Sector 10, and house 702 in Sector 9.
Other Agendas
The House will evaluate proposals for cleaning underground storm drainage systems using super-suction machines, enhancing rainwater drainage networks, and installing LED streetlights. Infrastructure improvements include resurfacing remaining roads in Sectors 9 and 10, reconstructing the damaged section behind Sector 9 showrooms, laying a concrete drain from Sector 19 to the national highway, and replacing aging sewer lines in Fatehpur and Maheshpur villages.
The broader development goals encompass creating recreation centers, libraries, indoor sports facilities, and a Dr. BR Ambedkar library and art gallery in Ward 17. Additional proposals include constructing a sports stadium, community center, and dharamshala in Chandi Kotla village, enhancing sports amenities in a Sector 20 park, and repairing roads within markets and housing societies.
The House will also address urban management challenges, seeking lasting solutions for the monkey issue in Sector 25 and stray animals throughout the city. Immediate public health measures include regular disease prevention fogging, targeted anti-encroachment initiatives, upgrading Sector 25 market restrooms, and repairing community restrooms and Anganwadi buildings in Khadak Mangoli and Nada Sahib.
