CHANDIGARH: Punjab governor-cum-UT administrator Banwari Lal Purohit has asked officials to complete UT’s sports policy by December 31.
They were also asked to ensure that all the agendas raised in the administrator’s advisory council (AAC) meeting were taken up seriously and action taken on them in a time-bound manner.
These directions were issued during a review meeting of the AAC held on Friday at UT guest house under the chairmanship of UT administrator Banwari Lal Purohit.
The administrator said that the council meeting had provided an opportunity to conduct brainstorming and undertake suitable reforms for the development of the city. He asked officials and members to ensure that the agendas raised in the Council meeting were taken seriously.
Purohit also stressed the need for innovation in every field like education, health, skill development and urban planning. He was keen on improving service delivery at all levels, especially at the grassroots level.
Members of the nine standing committees of the advisory council, education, health, urban infrastructure, social welfare, law and order, sports, transportation, culture and environment delivered presentations on action taken under various subjects contributing to the development of City Beautiful.
Some of the key recommendations made by the committee were making Chandigarh a model destination for urban sports, for which facilities for skateboarding and basketball have been provided at the football stadium and sports climbing facilities have been provided at Lake Complex. Members informed the council that the draft sports policy was being prepared and would be circulated for feedback and suggestions. Purohit directed officials to complete the exercise by December 31.
The agenda of conversion of properties located in Industrial Area Phase I and Phase II from leasehold to freehold basis was also discussed. Officials stated that the matter had already been taken up with the Government of India. Discussions were held on the launch of a common police control room for the Tricity. Members said that the neighbouring states have been approached regarding the same and modalities have been worked out. They also said that a child protection officer had been nominated at every police station in compliance with the recommendation to create a one-stop centre comprising councillors and drug experts for children committing crime.
The standing committee on Transport listed actions taken under various aspects like making city roads free of human and animal propelled rickshaws, regulation of auto rickshaws and operation of battery operated vehicles for last mile connectivity.
The committee on environment also highlighted the action taken to improve air quality, reduce air pollution, protect choes, tertiary treated water, waste management, disposal of carcasses in Chandigarh.
The administrator welcomed the suggestions made by the Council and assured that these would be seriously considered. He said he would review all the actions taken by the standing committees after three months.
