DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Local Government Minister, Balkar Singh, has directed Municipal Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners across all districts to ensure the completion of ongoing development projects within the stipulated time frame.

During a meeting held today at the Municipal Bhawan, the Minister emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to enhance civic amenities for the urban population.

Cabinet Minister instructed the authorities to utilize funds from various schemes, including the unutilized amounts from the 15th Finance Commission and Central Government-sponsored schemes. He also reviewed the balance of funds in the SNA account and directed officials to maintain quality and transparency in all development projects. Local Government Minister also held detailed discussions with officials regarding the availability of land for sewerage treatment plants in 16 Urban Local Bodies and the availability of land for water treatment plants in 49 Urban Local Bodies. Balkar Singh directed the officials to collaborate with district administrations to identify suitable locations for sewerage treatment plants and water treatment plants, particularly in areas facing challenges in site selection.

Minister further stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing a clean and pollution-free environment for urban residents. He stressed the importance of ensuring daily cleanliness within the respective jurisdictions and emphasized the need for timely sewerage cleaning to prevent blockages during heavy rains, which can lead to flooding and the overflow of dirty water onto streets and roads.

Minister insisted on the uninterrupted supply of drinking water to city residents. He also reviewed rainwater drainage systems in preparation for the monsoon season and instructed officials to work closely with district administrations to address any potential challenges. Furthermore, he urged the implementation of appropriate measures to combat vector-borne diseases.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department, Tejveer Singh, the CEO of PMIDC, Deepti Uppal, the Director of the Local Government Department, Uma Shankar Gupta, and other senior officials from the head office.
(editor@dailyworld.in)