Panchkula: The fourth meeting of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA), chaired by Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday, focused on urban infrastructure, drainage, housing and civic services. During the meeting, the CM directed officials to prepare a time-bound roadmap to make Panchkula the state’s “number one city”.The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, reviewed ongoing development projects and monsoon preparedness. Stressing the need to tackle waterlogging, Saini directed officials to install recharge wells in every park and ensure that only treated water is used for irrigation. He also ordered priority cleaning of sewer lines and drains before peak monsoon season.To strengthen mechanised sewer cleaning, the chief minister directed the transfer of three “super sucker” machines from Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to the municipal corporation.A major decision taken during the meeting was the restructuring of civic responsibilities among key agencies. Under the revised arrangement, the MC will be responsible for sanitation, sewerage, roads and water supply in residential sectors.PMDA will manage sector-dividing roads and storm-water drainage, while HSVP will continue maintaining unsold properties and collecting water charges.The chief minister also asked officials to identify land for construction of high-rise housing for eligible families under a plan aimed at making Panchkula slum-free. Reviewing city infrastructure, he directed that Fountain Park be developed on the lines of Gurugram’s Leisure Valley and ordered beautification of all 14 major intersections with wall art and landscaping. Officials were also asked to prepare a comprehensive storm-water drainage plan for the city.Saini announced that the next PMDA meeting would be held next month to review progress on ongoing projects. He directed officials to prepare a citywide plan for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-enabled CCTV cameras and upgrade Panchkula’s shooting range to international standards.Taking serious note of the multi-feature park project, where around Rs 22 crore has already been spent, the chief minister ordered an inquiry and sought a detailed report.Saini directed that major parks be equipped with ornamental plantations, restored water bodies, fountains and public toilets, while police were asked to crack down on drug consumption in parks.
