MCC Celebrates Lohri at MCC Building: Mayor extends greetings to citizens

Chandigarh, January 13:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh celebrated the festival of Lohri with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour at the MCC Building, Sector 17, Chandigarh creating a festive and joyful atmosphere among officers and employees.

The celebration was graced by the presence of the city Mayor, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, MC Commissioner, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS and Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS along with councillors, senior officers and officials of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.

On the occasion, the dignitaries extended warm Lohri greetings to the officers and staff members and participated in the ceremonial bonfire, symbolising prosperity, happiness and togetherness. The event reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region and strengthened the spirit of unity and camaraderie among the MCC family.

Addressing the gathering, the Mayor appreciated the dedication and hard work of MCC employees in delivering civic services to the citizens of Chandigarh and conveyed her best wishes for their continued success and well-being. The Commissioner highlighted that such celebrations play an important role in boosting the morale of employees and fostering a positive work environment within the organisation.

The celebration concluded with the distribution of sweets among the officers and staff, marking the occasion in a spirit of joy and harmony.

========================================

MC Commissioner reviews infrastructure and security issues of transport area, Sector-26

Chandigarh, January 13:-Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, today reviewed long-pending infrastructure, safety and civic issues of the Transport Area, Sector-26 alongwith the office bearers of Transport Association.

During the review, members of the Transport Association highlighted that road re-carpeting in the Transport Area was last undertaken in 2018 and 2021, and the condition of roads has since deteriorated considerably. The Commissioner was informed about the urgent need for re-carpeting and strengthening of internal roads to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

The President of the Association, Shri J. S. Gill, drew attention to the poor and dilapidated condition of the night shelter at the Idle Truck Parking area. He emphasized that the shelter requires immediate repair and renovation so that it can be made fully functional. He suggested provision of basic facilities such as proper bedding, adequate ventilation, open sitting space, kitchen arrangements, fans and coolers for the benefit of truck drivers and helpers.

The Commissioner also reviewed the demand for construction of four rain shelters within the Idle Truck Parking area, as the lack of shade causes inconvenience to drivers and workers during extreme weather conditions. To address security concerns and incidents of theft, the association requested concertina fencing on the boundary wall and installation of CCTV cameras across the parking area.

Issues related to parking charges were also discussed. Members informed that the existing 24-hour parking rate structure, coupled with an annual 10 percent increase, has resulted in under-utilisation of the facility. The association proposed introduction of both 12-hour and 24-hour parking options with rationalised rates to improve occupancy.
The need for construction of a labour hostel on the reserved land, development of vacant booth spaces, and strengthening of storm water and sewer lines was highlighted, citing increased demand and frequent blockages in the area.

Additional demands placed before the Commissioner included development of green belts and open gyms, installation of additional street lights and high-mast lighting, and early operationalisation of the weighbridge, which is presently non-functional.

The association further raised concerns regarding the presence of illegal vendors in the Transport Area and an unauthorised entry towards Bapudham Colony, seeking strict enforcement action against encroachments and closure of the unauthorised access point.

The Commissioner assured the association that all genuine issues raised during the meetings would be examined in detail and necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments for appropriate action in a time-bound manner.

====================================================

MC Chandigarh facilitates educational tour to promote cleanliness and recycling awareness

Chandigarh, January 13:-As part of an awareness and educational exposure programme, more than 100 students from a SGGS(khalsa College) Sector-26, Chandigarh visited the Pink Material Recovery Facility (MRF) today to gain practical insights into the city’s solid waste management system.

During the visit, the students were sensitised about the importance of source segregation, recycling of dry waste, and the overall functioning of the Pink MRF, which plays a crucial role in strengthening Chandigarh’s waste management infrastructure. Officials and technical staff at the facility explained the end-to-end process of waste sorting, recovery of recyclable materials, and safe handling practices being adopted to ensure efficiency and worker safety.

Following the visit to the Pink MRF, the students proceeded to the Solid Waste Management Plant, where they were provided first-hand knowledge about the scientific processing, treatment, and environmentally safe disposal of municipal solid waste. The interactive session helped students understand modern waste processing techniques and the significance of sustainable practices in urban waste management.

The educational visit aimed to enhance awareness among students regarding cleanliness, waste reduction, recycling, and responsible environmental behaviour. Such initiatives also seek to encourage youth participation in supporting the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and promoting a cleaner and greener city.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh regularly organises educational visits and awareness programmes for students and institutions as part of its continued efforts to build environmental consciousness and involve the younger generation in creating a more sustainable future for the city.