MCC promotes cleanliness through Nukkad Nataks across city

Chandigarh, March 10:-As part of its ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has been organizing a series of Nukkad Nataks (street plays) at various public places across the city to create awareness about cleanliness, waste segregation and responsible waste disposal.

While sharing this initiative, MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, said here today that the street plays are being performed at busy marketplaces, residential areas and other public gathering spots to reach a wider section of citizens. Through engaging and interactive performances, volunteers and sanitation workers are spreading key messages about maintaining clean surroundings, proper waste management and the harmful impact of single-use plastic.

He further said that during the performances, special emphasis was laid on segregating waste at source by using separate dustbins for wet and dry waste. The plays also promote the RRR concept — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Using relatable characters, humour and real-life situations, the performers effectively demonstrate the problems caused by littering, plastic waste and improper disposal of garbage, while motivating citizens to adopt responsible habits.

A large number of residents gathered to watch the performances and actively interacted with the artists and sanitation workers, who further explained the benefits of waste segregation and proper use of designated dustbins.

The commissioner said that such awareness initiatives aim to bring long-term behavioural change among citizens and strengthen community participation in cleanliness drives. He emphasized that public cooperation is crucial for achieving the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

He said that the Municipal Corporation will continue organizing similar Nukkad Nataks in different wards in the coming weeks, ensuring that the message of cleanliness, waste segregation and reduction of plastic use reaches every corner of the city and encourages citizens to contribute towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Chandigarh.

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MC Chandigarh launches Quarterly, Half-Yearly & Yearly Parking Passes Under ‘MC One Pass’ System

Brings heavy offer for parking users; new MC One Passes to save up to ₹1800

Chandigarh, March 10:-After receiving an overwhelming response to its MC One Parking Pass system, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has introduced a new facility offering quarterly, half-yearly and yearly parking passes for frequent users, providing significant financial relief and greater convenience to the residents of the city.

Sharing details about the initiative, City Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi said that as per the guidelines of Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T., Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, the new pass system has been designed especially for citizens who regularly use Municipal Corporation managed parking sites. The move aims to provide a cost-effective and hassle-free parking experience while strengthening parking management across the city.

The Mayor informed that under the new scheme, a yearly parking pass for four-wheelers will be available for just ₹4200, which offers a saving of ₹1800 compared to the existing monthly pass system. Similarly, two-wheeler users can avail a yearly pass for ₹2100, resulting in a saving of ₹900.

He further elaborated that the half-yearly parking pass will be available at ₹2200 for four-wheelers and ₹1100 for two-wheelers, providing savings of ₹800 and ₹400 respectively.

For citizens who prefer shorter duration passes, the quarterly parking pass will be available at ₹1200 for four-wheelers and ₹600 for two-wheelers, ensuring savings of ₹300 and ₹150 respectively. He said that the monthly charges for making MC One Pass will be the same as earlier as Rs. 500 for four wheeler and Rs. 250 for two wheeler.

The Mayor highlighted that the introduction of quarterly, half-yearly and yearly passes will offer flexibility and affordability to frequent parking users. He added that this step will encourage citizens to adopt the MC One digital parking system, making parking operations more streamlined and transparent.

Sh. Joshi emphasized that the MC One Parking Pass system is not merely aimed at revenue generation but is primarily focused on improving parking management and providing better public services to the residents of Chandigarh. He added that the initiative reflects the Municipal Corporation’s commitment to citizen-friendly governance and efficient urban management.

The Mayor further stated that the passes will be valid across all parking sites managed by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, ensuring maximum accessibility and convenience for users across the city. The system will also help in curbing pilferage and leakage in parking collections, thereby strengthening transparency and accountability in parking operations.

With the launch of these new pass options, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh expects a large number of frequent users to benefit from the scheme while contributing to better parking discipline and smoother traffic management in the city.

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SPCA Chandigarh strengthens animal welfare framework; monthly reviews, volunteer recognition and resource optimization planned

Chandigarh, March 10:-A meeting of the Governing Body and Managing Committee of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Chandigarh was convened under the chairmanship of Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh-cum- Chairperson, SPCA, at the Committee Room, MCC building.

During the meeting, the committee held detailed deliberations on strengthening the operational efficiency and future development of the SPCA Animal Shelter located in Sector-38 (West), Chandigarh, which caters to sick, injured and abandoned animals from the entire tricity region.

Reviewing the existing arrangements, the committee assessed manpower and infrastructure requirements at the shelter to ensure improved care, treatment and rehabilitation of animals brought for medical attention. The members also discussed the financial support being extended through grant-in-aid by the UT Administration and emphasized the need for effective and judicious utilization of available resources for animal welfare services.

Recognizing the valuable contribution of community participation, the committee highlighted the crucial role played by volunteers who actively support the shelter through services, awareness efforts and donations. Members noted that many dedicated individuals quietly contribute on the ground towards animal welfare. In order to encourage wider public participation, the committee proposed identifying such active volunteers and recognizing their contributions through certificates and appreciation mechanisms.

The meeting also emphasized promoting a culture of voluntary donations among citizens to supplement existing financial assistance. Such contributions would help strengthen facilities at the shelter and support the procurement of medicines, equipment and other essential resources required for animal care.

To further strengthen transparency and accountability in the functioning of the shelter, the committee noted that CCTV cameras have been installed across the premises to monitor day-to-day activities and ensure adherence to the highest standards of animal care and institutional discipline.

It was also resolved that funds received through donations will be utilized strictly for essential equipment, medicines and welfare facilities required for animals under treatment and care.

In order to ensure continuous monitoring and timely resolution of operational issues, the Managing Committee decided to hold regular monthly review meetings of SPCA.

The committee reiterated that SPCA Chandigarh remains the only fully functional SPCA facility in the tricity region and handles a large number of cases involving sick, injured and abandoned animals. Members collectively reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the institution and enhancing animal welfare services through coordinated efforts of authorities, veterinarians, volunteers and responsible citizens.