MC Chandigarh organises Youth Outreach Drive to Strengthen Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0

Chandigarh, December 18:- As part of its ongoing citywide awareness campaign under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is actively engaging students through structured educational exposure visits to key waste management facilities, with the objective of cultivating responsible environmental behaviour among the younger generation.

Under this sustained initiative, school and college students are being sensitised to the importance of scientific solid waste management, segregation at source and sustainable waste practices. These visits are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application by providing students with direct exposure to the city’s waste processing systems.

In this series, around 50 students from Ankur School, Sector 14, visited the Pink Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre and the Solid Waste Management Plant today. During the visit, students observed the complete cycle of waste handling—from collection and segregation to recycling and processing—gaining valuable insights into modern waste treatment technologies and the role of citizen participation in ensuring effective outcomes.

The Commissioner, MC Chandigarh, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, stated that continuous engagement with young minds is central to building long-term behavioural change. He emphasised that experiential learning at such facilities instils awareness, accountability and a sense of ownership towards cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

He further noted that Chandigarh, renowned as the City Beautiful, has consistently advanced the goals of Swachh Bharat through robust municipal systems, public cooperation and community-driven initiatives. The Corporation remains committed to expanding this outreach programme by regularly involving educational institutions and youth groups, thereby ensuring that the ideals of cleanliness and sustainability are firmly embedded across generations and contribute to a cleaner, greener Chandigarh.

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Mayor leads fire safety inspection drive ahead of Christmas & New Year celebrations

Chandigarh, December 18:- In view of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations and the expected surge in public footfall, Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, along with Sh. Maheshinder Singh, Chairman, Fire Committee, and Dr. Inderjeet, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, today conducted an extensive inspection of fire and rescue preparedness in major hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, and commercial complexes across the city.

The inspection drive was carried out with the objective of ensuring public safety and verifying compliance with prescribed fire safety norms. Senior officers and officials of the Fire & Rescue Services Department accompanied the team during the inspections.

During the visit, the team reviewed the availability and functionality of fire safety equipment, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency exits, evacuation routes, and overall preparedness of establishments to handle any untoward incident.

It was observed that while several establishments had adequate fire safety arrangements in place, certain premises were found lacking in critical aspects such as functional fire safety equipment, proper emergency exits, and safe entry-exit provisions.

The Fire & Rescue Services Department issued notices to establishments found deficient in fire safety measures and served them strict instructions to rectify the shortcomings within a stipulated timeframe. These establishments have been given a clear ultimatum to comply with fire safety norms failing which stringent action, as per rules, will be initiated.

The Mayor emphasized that public safety is of paramount importance, especially during festive seasons when large gatherings are expected. She directed the Fire Department to intensify inspections across the city and ensure zero tolerance towards negligence in fire safety compliance.

Sh. Maheshinder Singh, Chairman, Fire Committee, reiterated that all commercial establishments must adhere strictly to fire safety regulations and maintain their systems in working condition at all times. Dr. Inderjeet (HCS), Joint Commissioner-II, instructed officials to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure timely compliance of issued notices.