Development projects take a hit as Panchkula becomes a corporation

Plans were also afoot to develop green belts on dividing roads of sectors.

All these projects had been approved by the administration and were in the final stages of implementation. “The budget estimate of the projects had been passed and all the paperwork was also completed. With the sudden notification of the city becoming a corporation,these plans stand null and void. Moreover,everything will have to be started from scratch and the setting up of a new office means further delay,” said B B Singal,former councillor.

Among other plans,the House had also set aside around Rs 15 lakh per ward for civil works and developing parks. Likewise,councillors were also looking forward to start with minor repairs after an amount of Rs 3 lakh per ward was approved.

Other projects in the pipeline included acquiring a separate building for the civic body,development of rural areas of Panchkula such as construction of footpaths,drains and a shelter for stray cattle at Pinjore. With the works being put on the backburner,councillors are worried about the progress of the city.

Seema Choudhary,another former councillor,says: “We do not see any hope of these projects taking off which would definitely affect the city adversely. The government should have given us some time to work out the intricacies so that the development projects were not stalled.”