In a strong message to officials, UT adviser Vijay Dev said governance does not entail getting more powers or departments. It means to serve the people efficiently.
In an interview to Hindustan Times on Wednesday, the adviser, who completed his one year in office in December last year, said: “Why should the officers be bothered about more powers and departments, they should worry about serving city residents. Why should I have 10 departments? Does governance mean to attain power?”
“You may belong to any cadre, my message is loud and clear: Better start working. If you fail to perform, I will not let you function in the city,” said Dev.
Terming his one-year tenure in the city satisfactory, Dev claimed he had been able to bring the UT administration close to city residents.
Listing his future plans, Dev said: “I will like to see economic development in the city. I also want the City Beautiful to be developed into a successful brand to attract investors. 2016 is important for us as we are hoping to get the smart city status by January 26 and the world heritage status in May.” He added: “The world heritage status will help the city’s economy grow. With the city coming on the international map, tourism will get a boost resulting in economic growth. We have speeded up the pending projects such as Metro and semi-high-speed train between Chandigarh and Delhi.”
Suggesting solutions to the ever-increasing traffic problem in the city, Dev said: “The administration’s focus will be to enhance and strengthen the public transport system. New buses will be added to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) fleet and integrated synchronised traffic lights will also be introduced.”
{{/usCountry}}Suggesting solutions to the ever-increasing traffic problem in the city, Dev said: “The administration’s focus will be to enhance and strengthen the public transport system. New buses will be added to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) fleet and integrated synchronised traffic lights will also be introduced.”
{{/usCountry}}He added: “The administration is also planning to introduce oneway traffic system on horizontal and vertical roads on different days and will seek suggestions from the residents for the same.
The administration also plans to introduce a car-free day in the city once a month from February, he said, adding that the odd-even formula could also be introduced in the city with certain amendments. The adviser said he would also review the decision of installing traffic lights at roundabouts as it is resulting in traffic congestion. “We have been getting conflicting reports from city residents on this,” he said.