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Mandeep Kaur Narula
Articles by Mandeep Kaur Narula

Chandigarh: Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla to call councillors’ meet over new ‘Smart Parking’ plan

Says would like the councillors’ feedback before tabling it in the House on June 27; officials said the revamped project will have a vehicle-stay tracking system, ‘pink parking zones’ for women, internet connectivity for real-time parking management, option of pre-booking paid parking slots, and pre-paid parking cards.

Chandigarh currently has 89 paid parking lots, being run by MC, on around 5.22 lakh square metre area, which can house 16,030 equivalent car spaces. (HT File)
Published on Jun 22, 2025 08:22 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC collects 62 crore in property tax in 2 months

Of the ₹62 crore collected so far, ₹26.17 crore has been contributed by residential property owners and ₹35.42 crore by commercial properties. This marks a substantial increase compared to the ₹38.59 crore collected during the same period last year.

The surge in revenue is being attributed to the steep revision in property tax rates in Chandigarh implemented this fiscal year. (HT File)
Published on Jun 21, 2025 10:02 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Funds in but wait continues for road repairs as monsoon approaches

Chandigarh MC had decided to carpet only ‘priority’ roads in view of the fund crunch, but it is yet to identify those, ₹10 cr available for work

MC’s internal assessment in May found that 225km of city roads are in “very poor” condition, and require urgent repairs worth <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>33 crore. (Ravi Kumar/HT)
Published on Jun 19, 2025 10:06 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Power outages leave Chandigarh tricity gasping in stifling heat

With mercury not offering any respite even after sunset, power infrastructure is buckling under rising load; Mohali is the worst-hit

Zirakpur residents gathered in a street in exasperation amid a power outage on Friday night. (HT Photo)
Published on Jun 14, 2025 09:44 AM IST
By, , Mohali/chandigarh/panchkula

Tomato prices soar in Chandigarh as scorching heat hits supply

Tomatoes are pinching the pockets of Chandigarh residents as retail outlets are selling them at ₹60 per kg, with high-quality produce nearing ₹80 per kg

Just under two weeks, tomato prices in Chandigarh’s apni mandis have more than doubled—from <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>20 per kg on June 1 to now <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>50 per kg. (HT File Photo)
Published on Jun 13, 2025 10:04 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC goes after encroachers, illegal vendors as crackdown gains steam

The crackdown is targeting street vendors operating without licences and shopkeepers displaying their goods outside their designated premises, encroaching upon footpaths and walkways, not even sparing walls and ceilings in some places.

As per official data, in April and May 2024, Chandigarh MC had issued 2,885 challans to the violators, a number which has risen to 5,046 in the same period this year — a nearly two-fold jump. (HT File)
Published on Jun 13, 2025 09:46 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 5 BJP faces among six new members in advisory council

The move is being seen as a bid to placate the local BJP unit, who had cried foul after the council’s reconstitution in December, stating that only those having connections with the new local leadership had been considered while those who had been working for the city and party for years, had been left out.

Among those who have now been included in the 54-member council are former MP and additional solicitor general of India Satya Pal Jain, senior BJP leaders Sanjay Tandon and Davesh Moudgil – all of whom are making a comeback. (HT File)
Published on Jun 12, 2025 09:56 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC brings in advanced technology to keep illegal vendors off streets

Chandigarh MC ramps up efforts to identify and remove illegal vendors to make market areas more orderly for shoppers and shopkeepers alike

This new initiative, designed to restore order to the city’s vending system, brings together several cutting-edge technologies to ensure transparency and efficient enforcement. (HT)
Published on Jun 08, 2025 08:14 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Now, Chandigarh MC aims to clear out Dadumajra dump by July

Chandigarh municipal commissioner Amit Kumar said, “At present, around 1 LMT of waste is left for bio-remediation. We have enhanced the daily processing capacity to 6,000 MT waste and have sped up the work.”

While the Chandigarh MC had assured HC of removing the entire waste by May 31, 1 lakh MT garbage remains at the Dadumajra landfill. (HT Photo)
Published on Jun 06, 2025 10:14 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

After 5 years, Chandigarh MC stumbles upon 11 cr unused funds

The UT administration had released ₹102 crore in 2019-20 for developmental projects in 13 villages which had been merged with Chandigarh in 2018, and nine other villages already within the municipal limits. Out of this, ₹11 crore remained unutilised all these years.

Chandigarh mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla on Wednesday announced the release of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>50 lakh for each of the 22 villages under the village development fund—a total disbursal of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>11 crore. (HT File)
Published on May 29, 2025 10:08 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 5 years on, erstwhile villages await funds for infra boost

Potholed roads, absence of storm water drainage system, supply of contaminated water and overflowing sewage are among the most common issues flagged by local residents

According to MC officials, while the Chandigarh Administration released <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>102 crore in 2019-20 for the maintenance of these villages, no subsequent annual grant has been provided.
Published on May 28, 2025 08:56 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Monsoon closing in, but Chandigarh MC only halfway through clearing drains

Chandigarh MC is tasked with cleaning a total of 30,452 road gullies and stormwater drains across the city, a crucial step to ensure smooth drainage during heavy rains; however, only 13,500 gullies have been cleaned so far

Chandigarh’s drainage system is severely inadequate, leaving roads inundated and low-lying areas flooded whenever rainfall reaches 40 mm to 60 mm per hour. (HT file photo)
Published on May 27, 2025 10:26 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Storm passes but Chandigarh residents’ electricity troubles linger on

Congress deputy mayor Taruna Mehta also wrote a letter to Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Katarai on Thursday and complained against electricity supply issues in Chandigarh post-privatisation.

The firm, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), had taken over the city’s electricity department and its operations in February this year. (HT File)
Published on May 23, 2025 10:02 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: As power demand surges, residents feel the heat

Tricity faces severe power outages amid rising temperatures, with residents enduring prolonged blackouts due to outdated infrastructure and staff shortages.

CPDL data reveals electricity demand jumped from 338 MW on May 14 to 425 MW on May 20—an over 25% increase. (HT File)
Published on May 22, 2025 09:38 AM IST

Chandigarh MC lays off 332 tubewell staff amid fiscal crunch

Now, however, the new tender floated by the MC includes only 332 sanctioned posts for tubewell operation—formally eliminating the positions of the remaining workers.

MC officials cited a report by the department which claimed that one multi-tasking worker could handle up to three tubewells within a 500-metre radius—an assertion that formed the basis of the downsizing. (HT File)
Published on May 22, 2025 09:36 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

225km of UT roads in ‘very poor’ condition, need urgent repairs worth 33 crore

The road recarpeting work, usually carried out during March-April and October-November due to favourable weather conditions, has remained suspended since May 2024.

Potholes seen on the road dividing Sector 47 and 31 in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (Ravi Kumar/Hindustan Times)
Published on May 21, 2025 08:36 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Each ward to get 25L to resume devp works amid cash crunch

Due to the ongoing fiscal crisis, no fresh tenders have been floated since May last year. The stagnation brought Chandigarh’s local infrastructure development to a standstill.

Babla called an all-party councillors meeting on Tuesday and officially announced the allocation of a ward development fund of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>25 lakh per councillor. (HT File)
Published on May 21, 2025 05:44 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC’s staff crunch throws parking lots out of gear

Poor management, inadequate staffing, and the lack of accountability have resulted in mounting complaints from residents and market associations

Two-wheelers and four-wheelers are often parked haphazardly, blocking pathways and exits, said Sharanjit Singh, president of the Sector 8 market association. (Keshav Singh/HT)
Updated on May 18, 2025 05:44 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC looking at unipoles to raise revenue

With the green signal for less than half the requested number, the Chandigarh civic body is now working on drafting a comprehensive set of terms and conditions, aimed at maximising revenue from outdoor advertising

As per MC officials, the move to expand unipole installations is part of the Chandigarh civic body’s strategy to enhance revenue and reduce dependence on central grants. (Shutterstock)
Published on May 18, 2025 05:37 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Soon, pay more for MC’s fire vehicles

At present, ₹551/hour per vehicle is charged for hosting events in Chandigarh; in a new proposal, the MC is set to revise the rate to ₹5,000/hour per vehicle for five hours only, subject to ₹25,000, along with GST as applicable from time to time

For the vehicles being used outside Chandigarh but within the 20 km limit, <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>3,150/hour per vehicle is charged at present. However, the rate is set to be revised at <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>7,500/hour per vehicle for five hours only, subject to a minimum of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>37,500,along with GST. (HT Photo)
Published on May 17, 2025 09:46 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh learns its lessons, to install more sirens, bolster civil defence

Deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav said that 30 more sirens have been ordered and will be installed after a detailed mapping of Chandigarh

With thousands of young citizens of Chandigarh stepping up to serve as civil defence volunteers, after a single call by the local administration, UT is now planning to provide comprehensive training to registered volunteers, including those who were given training by expert teams of Red Cross, Fire emergency, and NDRF. (HT Photo)
Published on May 13, 2025 10:38 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

MC takes U-turn, drops plan to regularise 2,888 positions

This dramatic reversal comes just a month after the MC House had overwhelmingly approved the regularisation move aimed at stabilising its workforce and ensuring job security for outsourced staff who have been working on extended contracts for years

The number of outsourced workers in the Chandigarh MC had surged from 3,072 in 2019-20 to 6,965 in 2024-25, an alarming 126% increase. (HT Photo)
Published on May 13, 2025 09:58 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Divert RLA revenue to MC for road repairs, Chandigarh mayor appeals to governor again

Amid Chandigarh MC’s debilitating financial crunch, essential road carpeting work in the city has not been undertaken for the second consecutive season this year after no repairs through 2024

The allocation of at least 50% of the RLA’s revenue will allow us to maintain roads, parkings and pavements more effectively. The funds will be used exclusively for this purpose, Chandigarh mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla stated. (HT)
Published on May 07, 2025 08:44 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC’s ad plan for public toilets stalls amid zero bids

Advertisement on public toilets has long posed a challenge for the MC; over the past five years, the civic body has failed to generate sustained revenue from the initiative

Advertisement on public toilets has long posed a challenge for the MC. (Keshav Singh/HT)
Published on May 06, 2025 09:30 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC to bring in vigil squad to rein in encroachments after dark

Though municipal commissioner Amit Kumar had initially extended the enforcement duty hours from 7 pm to 8 pm, and then further extended them up to 10 pm, enforcement teams have struggled to contain the surge of illegal vending activities across Chandigarh after the duty hours

The MC has now devised a new plan — rationalising existing manpower to form a dedicated night squad that will operate across various sectors of Chandigarh. (HT Photo)
Published on May 03, 2025 09:52 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC House clears tax hike for govt properties too

Former BJP mayor Anup Gupta moves agenda in meeting, questioning why the tax jump was imposed solely on city residents while govt buildings were exempted

Congress and AAP councillors protesting against the BJP over the property tax hike imposed on residential and commercial buildings during the MC House meeting at the MC Office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Wednesday. (Keshav Singh/HT)
Published on May 01, 2025 08:54 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: BJP-led MC House greenlights parking fee hike with no bumps

The proposal zipped through in the absence of councillors from opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who had already staged a walkout after accusing the BJP of burdening residents with back-to-back tax hikes — including the recent increase in property tax and electricity cess

As per the plan, the first 15 minutes will be free across 87 parking lots of the city, after which four-wheelers will be charged <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>20 for up to four hours of parking — a sharp increase from the existing <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>14 — while two-wheelers will pay <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>10 instead of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>7. (HT Photo)
Published on May 01, 2025 08:34 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Stiffer fine for unpaid water bills in pipeline

The agenda will be discussed in the MC General House meeting on Wednesday, along with other crucial agendas, including hike in parking rates under the proposed Smart Parking project and a new Fire Safety Act for Chandigarh, among others

Chandigarh MC is proposing a 10% compound surcharge on every water bill unpaid even after two months. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Published on Apr 30, 2025 08:40 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC proposes new Act to bring more buildings under fire safety norms

Currently, the Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 1986, is applicable in Chandigarh. This Act mandates fire safety certificates (FSC) only for buildings taller than 15 metres (high-rises). However, MC officials pointed out that even the Delhi government has repealed this legislation and replaced it with the Delhi Fire Service Act, 2007.

Given Chandigarh’s unique character, with its many heritage buildings, the stringent provisions under the current Act have often resulted in non-compliance with fire safety norms. (HT File)
Published on Apr 29, 2025 09:36 AM IST
By, Chandigarh

Now, parking fee hike to hit wallets in Chandigarh

After the steep rise in property tax and collector rates by Chandigarh administration, the municipal corporation is also proposing a sharp jump in parking rates

The agenda will be tabled for discussion in the upcoming Chandigarh MC General House meeting on April 30. (HT)
Published on Apr 27, 2025 08:28 AM IST
By, Chandigarh
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