Chandigarh admn, MC standoff on EV charging stations continues

Chandigarh civic body writes to administration, says it plans to constitute committee to ascertain its feasibility, adviser says file already submitted for governer nod

Almost 33 days after the UT administration gave a three-day ultimatum to Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) to send a compliance report on allocation of space for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 44 parking lots, the civic body on Monday wrote back, stating that the House has decided to constitute a committee to ascertain its feasibility.

A file has already been submitted to UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit for final approval of the NOC,” Chandigarh adviser said. (Getty image)

In a letter to UT’s local bodies department, MC commissioner Anindita Mitra wrote: “The House has unanimously decided that a committee will be constituted comprising three councillors (including area councillor), civic body officials from buildings and roads (B&R) department, CREST members and market welfare associations, to decide on the feasibility of locations for setting EV charging stations.”

UT holds decision-making power: Adviser

However, when contacted, UT adviser Dharampal said that no committee will be constituted. “As UT administration holds the deciding power, we will self-issue the no objection certificate (NOC) and give a go-ahead to CREST to install charging stations in the parking lots. A file has already been submitted to UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit for final approval of the NOC,” the adviser said.

Notably, the city has 89 parking lots that are divided into two zones, of which UT plans to install EV charging stations in 44.

Timeline of events

July 2023: CREST requested MC to allow installation of EV charging stations and battery swapping stations at 44 parking lots in the city.

July 25: House rejected proposal during house meeting citing more revenue share, UT had not sought recommendations from the House before drafting the EV policy.

August 28: UT writes to MC for space allotment and compliance report within 10 days.

September 19: UT sends reminder notice. Gives 3-days to send compliance report.

Meanwhile UT starts installing EV charging stations in parking lots without MC’s nod.

October 17: MC House decides to form committee to decide on locations and how UT started work without MC’s nod.

October 18: City councillors, mayor protest against UT’s EV policy.

October 23: MC commissioner writes to UT. Inform UT about House’s decision. The adviser said UT will give NOC to CREST being the deciding power.