Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla calls emergency response meeting amidst India-Pakistan tensions*

*Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla calls emergency response meeting amidst India-Pakistan tensions*

*Chandigarh, May 9:-*

In a swift and proactive response to the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, Chandigarh Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla today convened an Special meeting with top officials of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Senior Deputy Mayor Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Smt. Taruna Mehta, all Joint Commissioners, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineers and senior officers of the Corporation.

Mayor Babla, while expressing deep concern for the safety and well-being of Chandigarh residents, issued a series of urgent instructions to ensure the city’s preparedness for any emergency. She emphasized that “citizens’ safety is our topmost priority, and the Municipal Corporation is fully mobilized to respond swiftly and efficiently.”

Key measures initiated under the Mayor’s leadership include:

• Emergency Control Room Activated:

A 24x7 Control Room has been established at ICCC (Tel: 0172-2787200) to handle all emergency calls. A dedicated team under the supervision of SDE Sh. Rudesh Kumar has been deputed to manage operations, with full support from designated staff.

• Blackout Protocols & Street Light Management:

The Mayor instructed the immediate implementation of a blackout plan. SE (Horticulture) has been appointed as Nodal Officer to oversee switching off street and solar lights and raising sirens if required. Coordination with CREST and engineering departments has been ensured.

• Water Supply Management:

In the event of electricity failure, the SE (Public Health) has been directed to ensure uninterrupted water supply through tankers. Contact details of key officials are being centralized in the Control Room.

• Public Advisory via RWAs/MWAs:

Area engineers are directed to meet Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) to advise on blackout protocols, preventing public panic, discouraging hoarding, and ensuring compliance with emergency advisories.

• Identification of Evacuation Centres:

Community Centres across Chandigarh are being identified and prepared to function as evacuation centres if required, with logistical arrangements for boarding and lodging.

• Security of Critical Installations:

Vital infrastructure such as waterworks, tubewells, and ICCC are to be secured. Only verified government personnel will be permitted access to these locations.

• Mobilization of Machinery:

The Mechanical and Transport wing is preparing an inventory of all government and private machinery (JCBs, tippers, trucks) along with drivers’ contact information for rapid deployment during emergencies.

• Readiness of Fire & Rescue Services:

The Chief Fire Officer has been directed to ensure that all fire and rescue operations are on high alert and fully operational.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla urged the citizens of Chandigarh to remain calm, avoid rumors, and cooperate with authorities. She reassured that all departments are on full alert and Chandigarh is fully prepared to meet any contingency.

“MC taking every step possible to ensure the safety and resilience of our city. I appeal to the public to stay vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and avoid panic,” .

Panchkula schools closed, Punjab University exams exams postponed amid tensions between India and Pakistan - 9 May, 2025

पंचकूला जिला में सभी शिक्षण संस्थान बंद रखने के आदेश 

पंचकूला 8 मई।

वर्तमान हालात को देखते हुए उपायुक्त मोनिका गुप्ता ने पंचकूला जिला के सभी सरकारी और गैर सरकारी शिक्षण संस्थानों को 9 और 10 मई के लिए बंद करने के आदेश दिए हैं

उपायुक्त मोनिका गुप्ता ने बताया कि आपात स्थिति के मद्देनजर सभी सरकारी और गैर सरकारी स्कूलों के साथ-साथ कॉलेज एवं अन्य शिक्षण संस्थानों को 9 और 10 मई के लिए बंद रखने का निर्णय लिया गया है। उन्होंने कहा कि सारी अलर्ट रहें और जिला प्रशासन की ओर से जारी सूचनाओं का पालन करें और सतर्कता बरतें।

Panjab University, Chandigarh 

Dated: 08th May, 2025

This is for the information of the public in general and students in particular that the exams scheduled for 9, 10 and 12 May, 2025 are postponed. New dates will be announced later on.

Controller of Examinations, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

MC Conducts Briefing Session on Rain Water Harvesting for RWA Members*

*MC Conducts Briefing Session on Rain Water Harvesting for RWA Members*

*Chandigarh, May 6:-*

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh organized a comprehensive briefing session for members of various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) at the Jal Shakti Kendra, Water Works, Sector 37, to promote awareness and understanding of Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) technology and the construction of structures/pits for water conservation.

The session was attended by engineering staff and officials from the Municipal Corporation, RWA representatives from different sectors, and water conservation experts. The aim of the session was to encourage RWAs to adopt sustainable water management practices and assist them with the technical aspects of implementing rainwater harvesting systems within their respective residential areas.

During the session, detailed presentations were made on the design, construction, and maintenance of RWH structures, along with discussions on the environmental and long-term economic benefits of rainwater conservation. Attendees were also guided on how to seek support from the Municipal Corporation for implementing such systems.

While sharing about the awareness campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, MC Chandigarh said that this initiative is part of the ongoing efforts under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, reflecting the commitment of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh towards sustainable urban development and efficient water resource management.

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NINE, PGIMER, organizes Walkathon to Combat Drug Addiction as a part of the Ongoing initiative ‘Nashamukt Chandigarh’*

NINE, PGIMER, organizes Walkathon

*NINE, PGIMER, organizes Walkathon to Combat Drug Addiction as a part of the Ongoing initiative ‘Nashamukt Chandigarh’* 

In response to the clarion call for a "Nashamukat Chandigarh" by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organized a "Walk for Drug Free Chandigarh" walkathon to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. 

The event, held on the PGI campus, was flagged off by *Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER* , and *Dr. Sukphal Kaur, Principal, NINE, PGIMER* .

 

While commending the efforts of NINE, *Prof. Vipin Koushal* emphasized the importance of continuous education on drug de-addiction, stating, “Channelizing youth energy in a constructive manner is extremely important to dissuade them from drug abuse as well as to combat drug addiction and our event is a step in the direction of ongoing efforts in Chandigarh to address and reduce drug abuse within the community.”

MC Chandigarh launches 7 days Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidaari abhiyan

*MC Chandigarh launches 7 days Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidaari abhiyan*

*Mayor appeals citizens to join hands in this initiative*

*Chandigrh, May 1:-* The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has launched week long cleanliness campaign of Rain Water Harvesting structures throughout city here today under the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidaari’ initiative from 1st May to 7th May, 2025.

While speaking about the campaign City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla said that under this campaign, all the rainwater harvesting structures are being cleaned across the city to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.

She said that water conservation is not just a policy, it’s an attempt and a virtue as well; it has generosity as well and responsibility too. She said that water was not just a resource but a question of life and the future of humanity. She expressed happiness towards the inception of public participation in the meaningful efforts of water conservation.

Commissioner, MC, Chandigarh Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS said on the occasion that Chandigarh would become a inspiration in water conservation in the country. Highlighting the importance of a conscious citizen, public participation and people’s movement, the Commissioner said that water conservation is not just a matter of policies but also social commitment. He said that water can only be saved when its misuse ends, consumption is reduced, water is reused, water sources are recharged and contaminated water is recycled. He highlighted the importance of embracing innovative approaches and modern technologies in this mission.

The MC Chandigarh also organized a briefing session for residents at the Jal Shakti Kendra, Sector 37 under one week “Catch the Rain’ initiative focused on cleaning and maintenance of rainwater harvesting structures, water conservation and its importance, role of community in water conservation. The objective of the session was to educate and involve RWAs in water conservation activities, promoting community-led initiatives and responsible water management practices.

In addition to that site visit of RWH structures was done by a team of officers led by Dr. Priyanka, Scientist C, from the Central Ground Water Board (C GWB), Chandigarh during which on-ground inspection of the rainwater harvesting structure located at the maintenance booth in sector 15, Chandigarh was carried out under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidaari initiative. Cleanliness drive of rain water harvesting structures was also carried out in community centres and maintenance booth, sector 15.

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