Chandigarh, November 13:- The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, today inaugurated eight completed development projects and laid the foundation stones of two major projects worth approximately ₹22 crore in Sectors 15 and 24, giving a boost to the city's civic infrastructure and public amenities.

The two projects for which foundation stones were laid included a ‘Street for People’ initiative in Sector 15 at a cost of ₹9.39 crore and a modern Community Centre in Sector 24 at ₹9.61 crore. The eight inaugurated projects included the renovation of the underpass connecting Sectors 11 and 15, renovation of the Community Centre in Sector 15, reconstruction of public toilets in Sector 24-C, development of a Zero Waste Modern Food Street behind Patel Market in Sector 15 and improvement of four parks in Sectors 15-A, 15-C and 15-D.

Addressing the gathering, the Administrator congratulated the Municipal Corporation, sanitation workers and city residents on Chandigarh securing the second position nationally for the second consecutive time in Swachh Survekshan 2025-26. He urged everyone to work together to achieve the first position next year through greater public participation in cleanliness initiatives.

Emphasising the importance of citizen-centric and sustainable development, Sh. Kataria said that the true measure of a city's progress was the quality of everyday facilities available to its residents. He stressed the need for timely completion, quality construction and regular maintenance of public projects and urged citizens to keep the city clean and treat public assets as their own.

The Administrator also highlighted Chandigarh's efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking. He said that since September 11, 2026, the Chandigarh Administration, Chandigarh Police and Municipal Corporation had jointly launched a campaign to stop drug peddling and prevent the sale of drugs in the city. A door-to-door campaign had also been started with the support of the Municipal Corporation and partner organisations to identify people affected by drug addiction and help them get the necessary support.

He also highlighted Chandigarh's achievements in education, healthcare, sports and expansion of green cover, along with the recognition of Sukhna Wetland as a Ramsar Site. He said that Chandigarh, as a planned city, had a responsibility to set an example in inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban development and contribute towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Earlier, Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi welcomed the Governor and briefed him on the development projects. He said that the ‘Street for People’ project in Sector 15 would improve pedestrian pathways and cycle tracks, beautify market spaces and provide better lighting, seating and rainwater harvesting facilities. He added that the modern Community Centre in Sector 24, spread over approximately 1.28 acres, would have a multipurpose hall, Sampark Centre, indoor sports facilities, gymnasium, library and a dedicated room for senior citizens.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, presented the vote of thanks and appreciated the efforts of the officers, engineers and staff involved in executing the projects.