Chandigarh, January 31, 2026:
A high-level review meeting on key Urban Local Body (ULB) issues was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce and Power, Shri Sanjeev Arora.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora directed that all Urban Local Bodies shall pass resolutions for development schemes in a completely paperless manner. He informed that the Department has developed the e-Nigam software, through which all resolutions will now be processed online. A strict timeline of 10 working days has been fixed for competent authorities to take decisions on such resolutions to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Reviewing water-supply arrangements, Shri Sanjeev Arora directed installation of timer sensors on all tubewells within one month to ensure uninterrupted water supply to citizens. Keeping in view frequent disruptions during summer due to tubewell failures, all Municipal Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners were instructed to procure pump sets in advance to enable immediate replacement and uninterrupted services.
Emphasising cleanliness and sanitation, the Minister directed all authorities to undertake a special sewage-cleaning drive to resolve sewer-related issues and prevent waterlogging during the forthcoming rainy season. He further ordered surprise inspections to ensure daily garbage collection and a weekly deep-cleaning drive across all urban areas.
While reviewing development schemes of Improvement Trusts, the Minister observed that citizens often face inconvenience in grievance redressal. He directed that completed schemes of Improvement Trusts be handed over to the concerned Urban Local Bodies, and all related actions be completed within stipulated timelines.
The Cabinet Minister also directed all officers to identify and put on auction all properties meant for public purposes that have remained unsold, stressing that no public asset should remain idle. He instructed that such auctions be conducted in a transparent, time-bound manner in accordance with prescribed rules and policies, to optimise utilisation of public assets and generate revenue for urban development.
Taking serious note of scrapped and confiscated vehicles parked at police stations and along city roads, Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that such parking adversely affects city aesthetics and creates risks of fire hazards and mosquito breeding. Officers were directed to identify suitable municipal land for parking yards and coordinate with district police authorities to shift these vehicles outside city limits.
Discussing the issue of stray dogs, the Minister Sanjeev Arora reiterated strict compliance with Hon’ble Supreme Court directions. All officers were directed to identify land for establishing dog pounds/sanctuaries and ensure the shifting of stray dogs from institutional and sensitive areas to these facilities.
Issues related to raising funds through Corporate Bonds for major Urban Local Body projects were also deliberated. Concerned authorities were directed to submit clear and detailed proposals within one month.
The Cabinet Minister emphasised coordination, timely execution and accountability, stating that strengthening urban infrastructure and improving civic services remain top priorities of the Punjab Government under able guidance of our Hon’ble National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal & Hon’ble Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann.
