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Trees in Mohali pruned using Chandigarh MC vehicles: corporation lacks money for fuel, say councillors
Councillors alleged that although the Mohali MC had purchased an expensive tree-pruning machine, it was seldom used and had effectively been turned into a “white elephant”.
A tree pruning machine of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation at work in Mohali's Phase 7 on Friday. (Express)
The poor financial condition and administrative apathy of the Mohali Municipal Corporation have once again come under sharp criticism, as tree pruning work in the city is reportedly being carried out using vehicles and machinery of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.
Councillors alleged that although the Mohali MC had purchased an expensive tree-pruning machine, it was seldom used and had effectively been turned into a “white elephant”. When questions were raised about activating the machine, officials allegedly responded that the corporation did not even have funds to refuel its own vehicles.
This work is being managed through recommendations and makeshift arrangements, raising serious questions about the functioning of the civic administration, they said, adding that the situation has exposed not only the financial distress of the corporation, but also increased the hardships of city residents.
According to information, tree pruning has not been carried out in several areas in Mohali for a long time, causing problems, especially during the winter season. Dry and weak branches, which fall during strong winds or rain, pose a serious accident risk. Despite repeated complaints, civic officials have failed to take concrete action, triggering resentment among residents and elected representatives alike.
Phase 7 AAP councillor Anuradha Anand accused officials of “deliberate inaction”. “Despite repeated requests for pruning, officers keep avoiding the issue. When I asked an official to get the pruning done in my ward, I was told that the corporation had no money even to buy fuel for pruning vehicles,” she said.
Phase 9 councillor Kamalpreet Singh Banny said residents of his ward were distressed for nearly a month before a pruning machine finally arrived. Similarly, Phase 5 councillor Baljeet Kaur accused officials of ignoring complaints. “Despite repeated representations, no one is listening,” she said.
Councillors collectively demanded transparency, stating, “If the corporation lacks resources, it should clearly inform the elected representatives so that alternative arrangements can be explored.” They also raised safety concerns, saying, “If an accident occurs during pruning under such ad-hoc arrangements, who will be held responsible?”
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Meanwhile, residents alleged that despite paying taxes, they are being forced to struggle even for basic civic amenities, highlighting a growing trust deficit between citizens and the civic body.
When contacted, Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar said, “This issue has come to my notice for the first time through your query. I will order a detailed inquiry and ensure appropriate action.”
On the other hand, Mohali Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu said he was unaware of any pruning work being carried out in the city using machinery from Chandigarh. “This is not in my knowledge. If such activity is taking place, the matter will be checked,” he said.
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