Chandigarh Administrator to Hold Monthly Review Meetings with CRAWFED; First Souvenir/Directory Launched

Gulab Chand Kataria, Administrator of Chandigarh, made a significant announcement regarding key civic issues, stating that monthly review meetings will now be held with CRAWFED to ensure timely resolution of residents’ concerns. The meeting will be conducted for one hour every Wednesday each month.

Clarifying the recent action by the Chandigarh Housing Board, he stated that only encroachments on government land were removed, and the action was carried out strictly under the orders of the court in a Contempt of Court matter. He added that the residents themselves had approached the court in this case.

Addressing the issue of damaged roads, the Administrator said he personally took up the matter with the central government and secured ₹125 crore for the Municipal Corporation to improve road conditions across the city.

On law and order, he emphasized that the administration is focused on ensuring that criminals are apprehended within city limits to maintain a strong security framework.

Speaking on water scarcity, he urged citizens to act responsibly, noting that reducing wastage—such as overfilling water tanks and excessive car washing—can significantly improve water availability.

Commenting on urban transport, he said that promoting electric buses is a more practical and cost-effective solution compared to an expensive metro project. He even suggested that, if needed, electric bus services could be provided free of cost to residents, still remaining more economical than a metro system.

He also encouraged both citizens and officials to spend a day walking or cycling through the city to better understand ground realities.

On the occasion, Hitesh Puri Chairman CRAWFED submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns related to law and order, senior citizens, and issues concerning the Housing Board while Nominated Councillor Umesh Ghai thanked Administrator for listening to RWA grievances.