Punjab Government Accelerates Urban Development Projects: Minister Balkar Singh Urges Timely Completion

Punjab Government Accelerates Urban Development Projects: Minister Balkar Singh Urges Timely Completion

Chandigarh, August 9: Punjab Local Government Minister, Balkar Singh, has issued a strong directive to Municipal Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners across all districts, emphasizing the urgent need to complete ongoing development projects within the designated time frame. This instruction was delivered during a high-level meeting held at the Municipal Bhawan, where the Minister outlined the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing civic amenities and improving urban infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Focus on Timely Completion and Quality

Minister Balkar Singh stressed the importance of adhering to deadlines for all ongoing projects, underscoring that timely execution is crucial for the state’s development. He urged the authorities to make full use of the available funds, particularly those from the 15th Finance Commission and other Central Government-sponsored schemes. The Minister also conducted a thorough review of the balance of funds in the Single Nodal Account (SNA), directing officials to ensure that all projects meet the highest standards of quality and transparency.

“Timely completion of projects is non-negotiable,” stated Minister Singh, “We must ensure that the work we deliver meets the expectations of our urban population, both in terms of quality and timeliness.”

Strategic Planning for Sewerage and Water Treatment

The meeting also focused on critical infrastructure needs, particularly the availability of land for sewerage treatment plants in 16 Urban Local Bodies and water treatment plants in 49 Urban Local Bodies. Minister Singh instructed officials to work closely with district administrations to identify and secure suitable locations for these essential facilities. This is especially important in areas where site selection has been challenging.

“Sewerage and water treatment facilities are the backbone of urban infrastructure,” Minister Singh noted. “We are committed to ensuring that these facilities are established and operational in all necessary locations to provide clean water and manage waste effectively.”

Commitment to a Clean and Pollution-Free Environment

A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to ensuring a clean and pollution-free environment for urban residents. Minister Balkar Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness in urban areas, particularly in preparation for the monsoon season. He directed officials to prioritize the regular cleaning of sewerage systems to prevent blockages that could lead to flooding and the overflow of dirty water onto streets and roads.

“Daily cleanliness and effective waste management are crucial for public health and urban living standards,” said the Minister. “We must be proactive, especially with the monsoon approaching, to prevent any sanitation issues that could affect our cities.”

Ensuring Uninterrupted Water Supply and Disease Prevention

Minister Singh also emphasized the importance of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of drinking water to city residents. He reviewed the existing rainwater drainage systems and instructed officials to collaborate with district administrations to address any potential challenges in water management. Additionally, the Minister called for the implementation of robust measures to combat vector-borne diseases, which are a common concern during the monsoon season.

“The health and well-being of our citizens are of utmost priority,” he stated. “We must ensure that our cities are not only clean but also safe from diseases that can be prevented with proper planning and timely action.”

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the Local Government Department and district administrations. The Minister expressed confidence that with collective effort and strategic planning, the Punjab government can deliver on its promise of better urban living conditions.

The session was attended by key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department, Tejveer Singh, CEO of PMIDC, Deepti Uppal, Director of the Local Government Department, Uma Shankar Gupta, and other senior members from the department’s head office.

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