Panchkula: Parking woes outside, lack of space inside

“We want that the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) upgrade the existing community centres with modern facilities and provide adequate space for holding events. A large amount of funds is spent on construction of these centres; that money should not go waste. Also, it should be made sure that residents do not have to rush to banquet halls in Zirakpur for marriage functions,” says Subhash Papneja, a resident of Sector 16.

However, president, Citizen Welfare Association, S K Nayar, highlights the fact that there are some sectors such as 6, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 where the demand for a community centre has not been met.

“Many sectors do not have a community centre; wherever these centres are, they are not in a good shape. We have written several times to the HUDA authorities to at least provide adequate space in each sector where residents can hold meetings. But the condition of these centres remains the same,” he says.

Many of the community centres have inadequate seating arrangements and facilities of games or sports. Recently, two new community centres were constructed in sectors 12 and 12-A but no new facilities have been added.

The residents complain that for small meetings, they have to arrange chairs in a neighbouring park and they have to move out of Panchkula to organise big functions.