Chandigarh, July 27:- In a remarkable display of accessible and citizen-centric governance, Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi today conducted a five-hour-long Janta Darbar at his office in the Municipal Corporation Building, Sector-17, which witnessed an overwhelming response from citizens across the city. Nearly 500–600 people participated in the public hearing, making it one of the largest and most successful Janta Darbars held in recent times.

The public hearing was attended by Joint Commissioner-III Sh. Balbir Raj Singh, along with senior officers of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh. Due to the unprecedented turnout, the Mayor's office and adjoining corridors remained packed throughout the programme as citizens patiently waited for their turn to interact directly with the Mayor and senior civic officials.

In a gesture that reflected his unwavering commitment to public service, Mayor Saurabh Joshi continuously heard public grievances for nearly five hours without taking a lunch break and ensured that every citizen present was heard before concluding the Janta Darbar. His dedication to personally listening to each representation was widely appreciated by those in attendance.

The Janta Darbar witnessed participation from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), village committees, traders' associations, social organisations, street vendors and individual residents, who submitted memorandums and highlighted a wide range of civic issues affecting their respective areas.

The major issues raised included the relocation of vendors from the Sector 15-A Vendor Zone to their original surveyed locations, rehabilitation and management of vending zones, issues concerning Dhobi Ghats, underground tandoors, permission for temporary sheds during the rejuvenation of Shastri Market, Sector 22-C, strengthening of door-to-door waste collection, sanitation in residential sectors and villages, repair of roads and internal streets, maintenance of streetlights, improvement of parks and green belts, water supply, sewerage, storm-water drainage, desilting of drains, removal of encroachments, parking management, horticulture works and other essential civic amenities.

Representatives of RWAs sought enhanced sanitation services, timely lifting of segregated waste, repair of internal roads, replacement of damaged streetlights, better maintenance of parks and community centres, and speedy completion of ongoing development works. MWAs highlighted concerns relating to market infrastructure, parking facilities, cleanliness, public conveniences and faster execution of civic projects. Residents from various villages also demanded improved sanitation, sewerage, roads, waste collection and streetlighting facilities.

Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi immediately directed the concerned officers to initiate action wherever feasible. A large number of grievances were resolved on the spot, while the remaining complaints were forwarded to the respective departments with clear directions for time-bound disposal. The Mayor also instructed officers to remain in regular contact with complainants and ensure timely updates until each issue is resolved.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Saurabh Joshi said that the Janta Darbar has become a powerful bridge between the Municipal Corporation and the people, enabling direct communication, quick decision-making and transparent governance. He reiterated that every genuine public grievance deserves prompt attention and assured citizens that the Municipal Corporation will continue working with complete transparency, accountability and sensitivity.

He further appealed to citizens, RWAs, MWAs, village committees and social organisations to continue partnering with the Municipal Corporation in maintaining cleanliness, promoting waste segregation, protecting public infrastructure and contributing towards the vision of a Clean, Green and Developed Chandigarh.

Citizens appreciated the initiative and lauded the Mayor for his patience, accessibility and commitment to public service. Many participants expressed satisfaction over the immediate resolution of several grievances and welcomed the Municipal Corporation's assurance of swift action on all remaining issues.

"My office will always remain open for the people. Every citizen deserves to be heard, and every genuine grievance deserves timely redressal. Public trust is our biggest responsibility, and public service is our highest priority," said Mayor Saurabh Joshi.