MCC intensifies crackdown on potable water wastage; Commissioner warns habitual violators of strict action

Chandigarh, May 20:- Taking a serious view of the wastage and misuse of potable water during the ongoing summer season, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has intensified its enforcement drive across the city to curb non-essential use of drinking water. MC Commissioner Amit Kumar stated that the MCC is continuously conducting special drives to identify violators and warned that habitual offenders may face heavy penalties, challans and even disconnection of water supply connections.

As part of the ongoing enforcement drive carried out by the Water Supply Department, MCC teams issued nearly 600 notices to residents and commercial establishments found misusing potable water for activities such as lawn irrigation, washing of vehicles, cleaning pavements and other non-essential purposes in different sectors of the city from 15th April to May 20.

During the drive, 8 challans were also issued against repeated violators who failed to comply with the directions of the Corporation despite prior warnings and notices. In one serious case of continuous misuse, the Municipal Corporation disconnected the water connection of the defaulter.

These challans were issued to violations of washing the cars and other vehicles, watering lawns, open leakages of water washing verandahs etc. during morning water supply hours.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS said that potable water is a precious public resource and its misuse during peak summer months creates unnecessary pressure on the city’s water supply system. He reiterated that drinking water is meant strictly for essential domestic purposes and not for avoidable outdoor usage.

He further stated that regular inspections and surprise enforcement drives will continue in all parts of the city and strict action, including penalties, challans and disconnection of water supply, will be taken against violators without any leniency.

Appealing to citizens, the Commissioner urged residents to use water responsibly and avoid wastage of potable water in any form. He called upon citizens to actively support the Municipal Corporation’s efforts towards water conservation and sustainable management of precious water resources in the larger public interest.

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Swift action by MCC on Governor’s Janta Darbar complaint; Toilet attendant removed for illegal occupation

Chandigarh, May 20:- Acting promptly on a complaint raised by a resident of Sector 18-D during the ‘Janta Darbar’ conducted by Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Honble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh took immediate action to address the issue concerning the public toilet block in Sector 18-D market.

MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora personally inspected the toilet block following the directions received during the public grievance hearing.

During the inspection, it was found that the outsourced toilet attendant had illegally occupied the corridor area of the public toilet block .
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Political parties asked to join hands for successful voter mapping drive in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 20:- A meeting regarding the ongoing voter mapping exercise and preparations for Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Dr. Inder Jeet, HCS, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh-cum-AERO-06, U.T., Chandigarh.

Representatives of various political parties participated in the meeting and reviewed the progress of the voter verification campaign being conducted across the city.

During the meeting, officials informed that the work of mapping electors and their family details with previous SIR data is underway in different parts of Chandigarh to ensure an updated and accurate electoral database. Political party representatives were requested to actively support the exercise through their Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for improving the mapping percentage and motivating left-out voters to provide the required information.

Dr. Inder Jeet emphasized that special camps and extensive door-to-door verification drives are being conducted under SIR-2026 for successful completion of the exercise. He stressed the importance of effective coordination among BLOs, BLAs, NSS volunteers, BLO Supervisors and Election Supervisors to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign.

It was further informed that voter verification and mapping visits are being carried out from 20 May to 26 May 2026 across various areas of Chandigarh. Citizens can also seek assistance or resolve voter-related queries by contacting the Voter Helpline Number 1950 and pressing option 3 for Chandigarh.

The representatives of political parties were also invited to share their suggestions and feedback for ensuring transparent, inclusive and efficient conduct of SIR-2026 in Chandigarh.

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MC Chief Engineer reviews progress of work related to Community Centre and Green Park at Hallomajra

Chandigarh, May 20:- MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora today reviewed the progress regarding the proposed construction of a Community Centre and development of a green park in Village Hallomajra, Ward No. 20, during a meeting held with concerned officials of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

The matter was raised by Sh. Naresh Kumar Panchal, Nominated Councillor, during public hearing hours along with a delegation of residents from Hallomajra. He apprised that a request for construction of a Community Centre in Ward No. 20 had already been submitted to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh on 09.03.2026.

During the meeting, officers including Superintending Engineer (B&R), Superintending Engineer (Horticulture & Environment) and the Architect informed that a survey of the proposed site has already been conducted and the planning is being prepared in consultation with local residents. It was informed that the proposed Community Centre will also have the facility of an E-Sampark Centre, while the remaining area will be developed as a green park with facilities such as walking track, huts, benches, lighting arrangements and fountain, wherever feasible.

Taking note that the proposed site is a low-lying area, the Chief Engineer stressed the need for proper drainage arrangements before undertaking any development work to prevent waterlogging during rainy season.

Sh. Sanjay Arora directed the concerned officials to submit the proposal of the Community Centre along with survey sheets and land ownership details to CAUT for planning approval at the earliest. He further instructed that the green park be developed with proper landscaping, huts, benches and adequate lighting arrangements for the convenience of residents.

The Chief Engineer also directed the concerned departments to ensure irrigation facilities through tertiary treated water and provide proper storm water drainage arrangements at the site. All wings concerned were instructed to examine and provide the required basic infrastructure facilities under their respective jurisdictions without delay.

Reiterating MCC’s commitment towards strengthening civic infrastructure and public amenities, the Chief Engineer assured that the project would be executed in a planned and time-bound manner for the benefit of residents of Hallomajra.

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MCC cracks down on encroachments across city; 64 challans issued in major enforcement drives

Chandigarh, May 20:- Continuing its strict action against illegal encroachments and unauthorized occupation of public spaces, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out intensive anti-encroachment drives in various parts of the city including Burail, Sector 40/41 markets and Bank Square Sector 17.

During the special enforcement operations, a total of 64 challans were issued against violators for causing obstruction and inconvenience in public areas.

The drives were conducted by the Enforcement Wing of MC Chandigarh with the objective of ensuring smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles, maintaining cleanliness and preventing illegal occupation of roads, market corridors and other public spaces.

In Burail, MCC teams along with the Engineering Wing conducted a special drive near the Motor Market and Kabari shops situated on Phirni Road. The action was initiated against illegal dumping of scrap material and unserviceable vehicles on public roads and vacant spaces.

During the drive, encroachments were removed and 22 challans were issued against violators. MC officials stated that such illegal dumping and encroachments were creating traffic congestion, damaging public infrastructure and causing inconvenience to commuters and local residents.

In another last-night enforcement drive conducted in Sector 40 and Sector 41 markets under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Gupta, the enforcement teams cleared market corridors and removed goods and articles placed illegally outside shops. A total of 27 challans were issued during the operation against shopkeepers found violating civic norms.

Similarly, at Bank Square Sector 17, MC teams removed illegal fruit vendors and unauthorized roti/rice vendors occupying public spaces and obstructing pedestrian movement. During the drive, 15 challans were issued against violators.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh reiterated that anti-encroachment drives will continue regularly in different parts of the city to keep roads, markets and public places clean, accessible and free from unauthorized occupation.

Appealing to shopkeepers, vendors and residents, the MC urged all stakeholders to avoid encroaching upon public spaces and cooperate with the Corporation in maintaining cleanliness, public convenience and civic discipline across the city.

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MCC launches special drive to remove Non-Biodegradable Waste from Dadumajra dumping site

Chandigarh, May 20:- Acting in compliance with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today launched a special drive for removal of non-biodegradable material from the dumping site at Dadumajra. The intensive drive will continue from 20th May to 23rd May, 2026.

MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora personally initiated the process of collection and removal of non-biodegradable waste material at the dumping site. The drive witnessed active participation of officials and staff from various wings of the Municipal Corporation, including Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, SDEs and Safaimitras from the Public Health Wing, Horticulture Wing, Sanitation Department and B&R Wing.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Engineer informed that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh to clear the entire dumping site of all non-biodegradable material.

He further stated that after segregation and removal from the dump site, the collected non-biodegradable waste is being transported to the dry waste processing plant for its scientific processing and environmentally safe disposal.

Sh. Sanjay Arora emphasized that MCC is committed towards scientific waste management and ensuring environmental sustainability in the city. He added that the Corporation is making all-out efforts to improve the condition of the Dadumajra dumping site through systematic waste segregation, disposal and remediation measures.

The Chief Engineer also appreciated the efforts of field staff and Safaimitras engaged in the drive and directed all concerned officers to ensure smooth and timely completion of the special operation.