CHANDIGARH: Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has directed all Municipal Corporation Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers of MCs to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing development works in the state.
During a meeting held today at the Municipal Bhavan, Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to providing better civic facilities to urban residents.
Dr. Ravjot Singh further announced that on the occasion of Diwali, a Cleanliness Fortnight will be observed from October 24 to November 7 across 19 districts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Malerkotla, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, SAS Nagar and Tarn Taran. The goal of this cleanliness campaign is to keep the cities of Punjab clean. He instructed Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners to coordinate with local MLAs and organizations to ensure the success of the campaign. He also urged the public to support the initiative, stressing that no effort can be fully successful without the cooperation of the general public.
The Cabinet Minister reviewed the unutilized funds from various schemes, including the 15th Finance Commission, Central Government-sponsored schemes and SNA. He examined the available balances and instructed officials to promptly use the allocated funds for development works aimed at public welfare. He also warned that appropriate action would be taken against officials who fail to spend the allocated funds within the specified timeframe.
Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring both quality and transparency in development works. He discussed with officials the availability of suitable land for sewerage and water treatment plants in Urban Localities.
The Local Government Minister instructed officials that, where there are challenges in identifying locations for sewerage and water treatment plants, coordination with district administrations should be made to ensure appropriate sites are selected.
He also emphasized that uninterrupted access to drinking water must be guaranteed for city residents. Additionally, the Minister reviewed arrangements for property tax collection and street lighting, directing officials to provide door-to-door services to residents.
The Minister urged district officials to hold weekly meetings to monitor ongoing development projects in urban areas and ensure efficient utilization of allocated funds so that the city's work proceeds smoothly.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department, Tejveer Singh, emphasized the need to provide a clean and pollution-free environment to city residents. He instructed field officers to ensure daily cleanliness in their respective jurisdictions.
PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal highlighted the importance of regular sewer maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure that wastewater does not overflow onto streets.
Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Director of the Local Government Department, said that, as per the Cabinet Minister’s instructions, review meetings will be held regularly to track progress.