SPEECH OF HON'BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 24X7 WATER SUPPLY & OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS AT CHANDIGARH ON NOVEMBER 13, 2021

It is a matter of pride to be the Administrator of this planned, rich, prosperous, spic and span green city. I am sure it is also a privileged feeling for you all to be the part of this city. I can see many councillors along with the Mayor present in today's function. As public representatives you people are entrusted with a bigger role and responsibility by the residents of Chandigarh and I am sure you are doing justice with that. Today we are gathered to lay the foundation stone of the 24X7 water supply and other major projects envisaged by the Municipal Corporation for the residents of Chandigarh.

The vision of Municipal Corporation is to make and maintain the city beautiful in liveability, sustainability, equality and innovation parameters along with providing the best urban experience to its residents. I have noticed that the residents of Chandigarh are quite aware and play a vital role in shaping and defining the vision and targets for the city.

Smart city mission Launched by Government of India has 35 projects funded by Smart cities mission. Chandigarh has almost 90 percent of Projects that benefit city as a whole. 24x7 water supplies is being carried out in Manimajra at Rs 162 cr including cost of 15 years Operation & Maintenance, the work is expected to be completed by Aug 2023.

This Project will involve new water works with 4 Million Gallon of additional storage, 13700 smart meters, 20 km of new lines, Automated monitoring of system through SCADA. All 37 Tubewells will be phased out 100% water supply will be shifted to surface water.

Other Major projects of smart city undertaken by Chandigarh Municipal Corporation include Imchandigarh (I am Chandigarh) app which has enabled citizens to interact with Municipal corporation through mobile and avoid queues. Citizens can avail use online building plan approval for getting the building plans approved. Online applications for water and sewer connection, Tree pruning and application for licenses etc from MCC can be availed now using app.

Similarly Rehabilitation and Upgradation of 5 Sewage Treatment Plants is being carried out to treat sewage for non-contact usage. Most stringent parameters for treated water in country are being followed.

Supervisory Control and Acquisition of Data analytical (SCADA) for recycled water to monitor the quality of recycled water is operational is in place. The SCADA will provide real-time quantity and quality of recycled water supplied in the city for usage in parks and gardens.

With the Integrated control and Command Centre, city will be safer with better surveillance, Intelligent Traffic Management will shorten trip period within city.

At Daddu Majra 2.15 Lakh MT of waste has been processed after processing of 5 lakh MT legacy waste 20 acres of land will be reclaimed. Construction of scientific landfill is also under progress site is extension of ongoing landfill; the work is expected to be completed by March 2022.

As many as 525 vehicles have been deployed in the city for handling and collection of segregated waste and to make the city a bin free city. State of art transfer stations and Material recovery facility for efficient and segregated handling of the Municipal waste have been established at 2 locations and third MRF will be completed by end of December this year.

Chandigarh Smart City has started implementation largest Public Bike sharing Project in India in the city. Phase I with 1250 bikes is operational. On completion in Aug 2022, 5000 bikes would be available to the citizens at very nominal charges. Golf cart to facilitate movement within sector 17 plaza is operational. The carts move about 600 - 1000 persons per day within plaza and is getting good response.

Smart school projects in 4 government schools in ABD (Sec 22, 35 and sec 43) has brought teaching amenities to children of our Government schools at par and cases even better than private schools.

I am happy to see Chandigarh Municipal Corporation so active and committed taking various steps to improve the basic upkeep besides ensuring the availability of civic amenities in each sector, ever since I came to Chandigarh.

I am of the view that public participation is must in understanding the issues, recognizing the areas requiring improvement and evolving strategies for future planning. I am happy that Municipal Corporation always seeks and considers public opinion, suggestive measures from the citizens and tries to implement their ideas in best possible manner.

I again congratulate the Municipal Corporation and Chandigarh Administration for taking up these people centric steps in the larger public interest and wish you all success in your future endeavours.

Thank You

Jai Hind.