Facelift on cards for Sector 17

The Municipal Corporation will explore the option of entering into an agreement with private companies which will beautify the shopping complex. The sanitation of the sector will also be handed over to private hands. In lieu of this,the companies will be allowed to put up advertisements.

To liven up the area near GPO that has remained neglected,a park in around four acres of area will be developed. It will be fitted with gazebos and other attractions. Facilities for some food kiosks will also be provided.

Area councillor Pardeep Chhabra says the work on extension of the plaza initiated in 2008 was completed. “Thereafter,another proposal was passed which has been hitting roadblocks. Dustbins approved for the sector were never installed. The laser fountain despite being approved by the administration and the MC House has not been installed. There is a demand among the shopkeepers for provision of better facilities,” he said.

Over the years several proposals have been mooted for beautification of the area near the GPO. However,the progress has been dismal with several roadblocks being faced. One of the hurdles had been the cement scam where the contractor was caught pilfering cement meant for the project. It was further found that the contractor to whom the work was allotted had given it to someone else.

Further,there has been a lack of co-ordination between different departments. At a meeting of officials with the Mayor held recently,it was realised that for public health works,no provision had been made in the proposal that had earlier been approved. Due to this,the work was stalled. An amount of Rs 10 lakh has now been sanctioned from the Mayor Development Fund for this.

Due to the coming up of several malls,especially Elante Mall in the Industrial Area,shoppers have drifted from Sector 17 to the malls. Shopkeepers have held meetings with the area councillor and have met the Municipal Commissioner asking for upgradation of facilities.