Punjab govt for merger of Kharar & Zirakpur MCs with Mohali

Aimed at promoting “comprehensive development”, the Punjab government plans to merge the municipal councils of Kharar and Zirakpur with the Mohali municipal corporation. The meeting to discuss this proposal is scheduled for July 5.

In a letter, the local bodies department instructed the officers concerned of the Mohali MC, Kharar MC, and Zirakpur MC to create maps highlighting their respective areas in different colours.

The officers have also been tasked with evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the merger, determining the number of additional positions required, and providing a report on the potential impact on income and expenditure for all three locations.

Furthermore, the officers have been told to identify any technical challenges that may arise from the merger.

The letter further stated that the meeting will take place on July 5 and instructed the officers to present the report during the meeting.

When contacted, local bodies secretary Ajoy Sharma said, “I joined just a month ago, and there is no such meeting scheduled for July 5.”

However, as per the letter, the officers have been instructed to remain present and submit reports on these aspects on July 5.

Cong, SAD oppose move

On the other hand, both the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have vehemently opposed the proposed merger.

Congress leader and deputy mayor of Mohali MC, Kuljeet Singh Bedi criticised the government’s decision and termed it a betrayal to the people of these three cities.

He announced that a resolution would be presented against the proposal in the municipal corporation, and if necessary, he would not hesitate to approach the high court.

Similarly, Parvinder Singh Sohana, SAD leader in Mohali, strongly condemned the Punjab government’s proposal to merge Mohali municipal corporation with Kharar and Zirakpur municipal councils.

He declared that the Akali Dal would not tolerate this move under any circumstances and would take to the streets and seek legal recourse if any attempt is made to implement it.

‘Better to have smaller administrative units’

When contacted, former chief town planner of Punjab, Harnek Singh Dhillon, said, “It is always better to have smaller units for better administration. With the merger of Zirakpur and Kharar with Mohali MC, the focus will shift solely to Mohali, resulting in the neglect of both these areas.”