Administrator Conducts Ground Visit After Heavy Rains; Directs Officials to Take Immediate Action

Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today conducted an extensive ground visit of various parts of Chandigarh to take first-hand stock of the situation following the heavy rainfall received in the city yesterday.

The Administrator travelled through the affected areas in a CTU bus, accompanied by Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh; Shri V.P. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab; Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary; and Shri Dirpava Lakra, Finance Secretary.

During the visit, Shri Kataria inspected Sector 17, Sector 22, Sector 43, Sector 46, Sector 47, Jagatpura, Tribune Chowk, Shastri Nagar-Manimajra, Bapu Dham, Sector 26 Mandi area and other areas. He assessed the situation on the ground and reviewed the problems being faced, or likely to be faced, by residents and commuters following the heavy rainfall.

The Administrator directed the concerned officials of the Municipal Corporation and Engineering Department to take immediate and coordinated action to address waterlogging, fallen trees and branches, damaged roads and other obstructions. He stressed that affected areas must be cleared at the earliest and that necessary repair and restoration works should be taken up without delay.

Shri Kataria emphasised that the safety, convenience and well-being of Chandigarh residents must remain the top priority. He directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination, respond promptly to emerging issues and ensure that public inconvenience is minimised.

Chandigarh received heavy rainfall on August 18, resulting in waterlogging at several locations and affecting traffic movement in parts of the city. The Administrator’s ground visit was aimed at reviewing the post-rain situation and ensuring timely action by the concerned departments.

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Under the guidance of Sh Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS DC-cum-Chairman, IRCS-UT and Sh Amandeep Singh Bhatti, PCS, ADC-cum-Secretary, IRCS-UT, Chandigarh Red Cross has expanded its “RED CROSS PANCHI BASERA” and developed two Panchi Baseras at Raen Basera, Sector 17, Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH, 19.08.26-Under the guidance of Sh Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS DC-cum-Chairman, IRCS-UT and Sh Amandeep Singh Bhatti, PCS, ADC-cum-Secretary, IRCS-UT, Chandigarh Red Cross has expanded its “RED CROSS PANCHI BASERA” and developed two Panchi Baseras at Raen Basera, Sector 17, Chandigarh and Hospice, Sector 43, Chandigarh.

With the establishment of Panchi Baseras at these additional locations, the IRCS, U.T. Branch, Chandigarh has further strengthened its commitment towards humanitarian service and community welfare. The initiative also encourages citizens to come forward and participate in such compassionate efforts by providing food and water for birds in their surroundings. The officers appreciated the initiative carried forward with the dedicated efforts of Ms. Punam Malik, Nodal Officer-cum-Supdt., IRCS, U.T. Chandigarh.

During the event, the State Director, Khadi and Village Industries Commission was also present alongwith Sh Pardeep Chopra, AC(F&A).

The Indian Red Cross Society, U.T. Branch, Chandigarh will continue to undertake such meaningful initiatives in the larger interest of society and to promote the spirit of humanity, compassion and service.

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2026 Edition of Right to Service Law Book Released by Administrator

Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: The 2026 edition of the book on the Right to Service Law in Chandigarh, authored by Shri Ajay Jagga, Advocate and Additional Standing Counsel, UT Chandigarh, was released today by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, in the presence of the Chief Secretary Shri H. Rajesh Prasad and senior officers.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of Chandigarh’s Right to Service framework, covering notified services, prescribed timelines, designated officers, appellate mechanisms and recent developments, including the Auto Appeal System.

Emphasising the need to make the law more effective at the ground level, it was highlighted that officials involved in service delivery need greater awareness of their statutory responsibilities, timelines, appellate procedures, the Auto Appeal System and consequences of non-compliance.

It was also emphasised that capacity building of officials should be followed by a systematic public awareness campaign, enabling citizens to understand and exercise their statutory rights. Such a two-pronged approach can improve efficiency, accountability and responsiveness, while reducing avoidable grievances and litigation and strengthening public confidence in administration.

The Hon’ble Administrator has desired that Shri Swapnil Naik, Secretary (Personnel), Chandigarh Administration, and Shri Ajay Jagga work out and suggest necessary measures to further strengthen and effectively implement the Right to Service law in Chandigarh.

The Right to Service framework seeks to ensure time-bound delivery of notified public services, strengthening citizen-centric, transparent and accountable governance.