Chandigarh MC okays e-auction of unipole ad sites, high-rises in pocket no. 6 in Manimajra

Indian Express

7 hours ago

Facing a financial crunch, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) Monday passed two key revenue-generation proposals during its House meeting on Monday — the first major resolution approved was the e-auction of unipole advertisement sites, while the second supplementary proposal involved allowing high-rise group housing projects in pocket no. 6 in Manimajra for residential purposes.
E-auction of unipole ad sites approved
In a significant move to enhance revenue streams, the MC approved the e-auction of 75 advertisement sites, primarily unipoles. The sites have been divided into three zones with 25 panels each. The tender for the auction is expected to be issued soon. The corporation anticipates to generate Rs 12 crore annually from these sites, with a provision for a 10 per cent yearly increment in the contract.
These 75 sites comprise 53 new locations and 22 existing ones approved by the UT Urban Planning Department. Strategically located along commercial roadsides, the sites were recommended by the Chief Architect of the Urban Planning Department. The councillors welcomed this initiative as a progressive step toward modernising the city's advertising infrastructure.
Green light to high-rise group housing projects in Manimajra
The House also cleared a proposal for developing Manimajra as a hub for high-rise group housing projects. The Chandigarh Administration has already approved the layout and zoning plans, allowing construction up to five storeys with a floor area ratio (FAR). This project aims to tackle the city's housing shortage and accommodate its growing population.
Plot 6 in Manimajra, Chandigarh, is a 6.9-acre area designated for residential development under the Chandigarh Master Plan. The Municipal Corporation (MC) is considering auctioning this land, with a reserve price of Rs 300 crore, expecting to generate at least Rs 500 crore.
The MC is considering various options for these developments, including auctioning the land or partnering with public sector companies like NBCC.
GIS-based sweeping proposal deferred again
The proposal for GIS-based mechanised manual sweeping in southern sectors was once again deferred following objections from councillors.
During the meeting, former mayor Anup Gupta announced the formation of a committee comprising councillors from all parties and nominated members. The Sanitation Committee chairman will be a special invitee. Recommendations from this committee will be presented along with the proposal in the next House meeting. Meanwhile, Lions Services, the company currently handling sweeping operations, has been given a three-month extension, as its contract ended on Monday.
New horticulture waste processing plant proposal declared invalid
A proposal to set up a new 60-tonne-per-day horticulture waste processing plant was also brought before the House but could not gain consensus. A heated exchange occurred between ex-mayor Anup Gupta and senior officials, including the Commissioner and Chief Engineer. As consensus remained elusive, the Commissioner declared the proposal invalid.
Controversy over booking rates and job cuts
Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi lashed at the Mayor in the House meeting over proposed hike in tube well operator removals and community centre booking rates.
Gabi criticised the mayor over the sharp hike in community centre booking rates and the looming unemployment crisis among tube well operators.
Speaking on the meeting minutes, councillor Gabi said, 'Madam Mayor, during your tenure, unemployment has started looming over 1,900 people in the last two months.' Gabi pointed out that the House had previously passed a resolution stating that the 664 existing tube well operators employed by the corporation would not be removed. 'So then how was a new tender allotted?' he questioned, adding that these 664 individuals now face unemployment.
Gabi highlighted that the tender of Lions Company is about to expire, and a new tender is soon to be allotted. 'There are 1,200 employees working in that company, and no provision has been made for them in the new tender. They too will be rendered jobless,' he said.
Addressing the Mayor directly, Gabi asked, 'What exactly are you doing? When the House had unanimously passed a resolution to accommodate these people, then how was a new tender issued?' He expressed frustration, questioning whether House meetings are simply meant to serve councillors food and tea before sending them home.
'If this is the purpose of House meetings,' Gabi declared, 'then I will never eat at any House meeting again.'
He added, 'Madam Mayor, you will go down in history as the Mayor who took away people's jobs.'
In response, the Commissioner clarified that no staff would be removed until a new tender is finalised.
'Put chili in their eyes and rob them blind'
Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi also lashed out at the steep increase in booking rates for community centres. He said, 'Without offering any additional facilities, you are simply raising the rates.' Expressing objection to the arbitrary hikes, he said, 'If you are going to loot people like this, then just go ahead and throw chili powder in their eyes and rob them outright.'
Gabi handed over packets of chili powder he had brought with him to the mayor, sarcastically saying, 'Here, use this in the people's eyes.'
The proposal to revise booking rates was brought for the third time but was deferred again following opposition from councillors.