Pawan Kumar Bansal, Chandigarh MP and Union Minister for Railways assured the resident’s welfare associations that the issues and concerns raised by them regarding various problems being faced by the residents of the city would be addressed properly. He was accompanied by Sh Subhash Chawla, the newly elected Mayor of Chandigarh. Also present on the occasion were Sh P C Sanghi, President FOSWAC and presidents of the resident’s welfare associations of various sectors. The function was organized for felicitating Shri Bansal on taking over as Union Railway Minister.
Taking up the issue of rubble, which he said was becoming an eyesore all over the city, Sh Bansal said that while it was the primary responsibility of the residents to ensure that all the rubble from the construction of their houses and buildings is disposed off properly, he on his part would provide funds to the Municipal Corporation for purchasing all the equipment required for clearing the rubble, which can be used by the residents on payment basis. Pointing out that many a times the residents do not get a cheap alternative for disposing off the rubble thereby resulting in unauthorized disposal, this facility which will be available at very reasonable rates which would go a long way in tackling the problem.
Referring to the need-based changes in their houses brought about by the residents, the Minister said that there was definite room for some relaxation in the Phase II & III of the city. However, this does not mean that it gives people the liberty to encroach upon government land. Talking of the master plan of the city, Sh Bansal said that he was for ‘Change with Continuity’ and as long as the original Phase I plan was concerned no changes shall be allowed and the basic character of the master plan shall be maintained. He suggested that FOSWAC can take up these issues again with the Chandigarh Housing Board for allowing need based changes.
Sh Bansal also emphasized the need for maintaining the green cover of the city and laid a lot of stress on maintaining cleanliness in the city. He also said that excessive use of pavers in the city is resulting in taking away the green area and also affecting ground-water recharge in the city.