Looking ahead;the promises and possibilities of the New Year

The residents of the city may finally see the beginning of the construction of multilevel parking lots. The construction of at least one of the two proposed lots in Sector 17 would begin that would ease the parking woes. The semi-automation of parking lots would also be done by the civic body.

Community parking lots

The first community parking lot being constructed in Sector 19 would be ready for use. In view of the shrinking parking space in residential areas,the corporation would also plan to set up similar parking lots in other sectors.

Beautification

The numerous theme-based gardens and greenbelts proposed for the city would be completed in the coming months. A majority of these gardens including the Valley of Animals,Palm Garden would be located in the southern sectors.

Trauma unit

The multi-storeyed Advanced Trauma Centre adjacent to the present Emergency block would be completed. It would have facilities like emergency neurocare,critical accident care and intensive care units.

Implementation of RTE

The major thrust of the UT’s Education department would be on implementation of the Right to Education Act in government as well as private schools.

Hotels and shopping,office malls

Three new hotels,including five-star JW Marriott in Sector 35 and Lalit in Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park,are likely to start functioning this year. While James Plaza is nearing completion,the other two are yet under construction but would probably be open by the year-end. City Emporium Mall in Industrial Area Phase is also likely to be functional.

Schools

Chandigarh needs nearly 20 more government schools for implementation of the Right to Education Act. Depending upon population density,plans for three new schools have been chalked out. Besides,infrastructure in the existing schools would be upgraded.

College buildings

The State Institute of Education and Government College of Commerce and Business Administration has proposed a sum of Rs 11.53 crore for construction and extension of college buildings and other institutions including Regional Institute of English.

Health facilities

A new hospital has been proposed in the southern sectors to ease rush in the existing hospitals and health centres. Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16 is likely to be upgraded.

Tertiary-treated water

To save drinking water,the corporation is working on a project to provide tertiary-treated water for irrigation. At least half the city would get this water by the middle of the year.

Upgradation of police department

The city would get a number of new police stations. At least two police stations are expected to come up in the southern sectors of the city. Besides,the buildings of the police stations are likely to be renovated. UT Police weaponry would be equipped with modern firearms and gadgets.

Projects for Mohali

Several projects in Mohali that are underway are likely to be completed this year. The international airport is expected to be operational this year. Other projects planned for the city include a state-of-the-art multi- storeyed air-conditioned Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 57,garbage dumping ground and laying of fifth and sixth lines for supplying water from Kajauli waterworks.

International flights

The wait for international flights to take off from the city airport is likely to end this year. The modernisation work the airport has begun.

Urban estates

Several new urban estates including IT City,Knowledge Parks,Mullanpur Urban Estate and urban estate along proposed Mohali-Kharar bypass would see the light of the day.

Increase in fees

The proposal to hike the registration fee is likely to be implemented this year. The administration has decided to levy road tax on the line of Punjab and Haryana.

Night tourism

The proposals for promoting night tourism are likely to be taken up this year. The UT Administration has proposed illumination of the Capitol Complex and the Rock Garden. Once this is completed,guided tours for tourists begin.

Food street

The food street proposed for Sector 48 is likely to be completed this year.