Mayor seeks immediate preventive measures after child’s death; calls for urgent sanitation & water safety review in Mauli Jagran

Chandigarh, February 7:-Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi has expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl in Mauli Jagran, as reported in the media, and has called for urgent preventive steps to address the serious sanitation and drinking water concerns in the area.

Terming the incident as deeply disturbing, the Mayor said that the reports emerging from Mauli Jagran highlight an alarming public health situation that requires immediate attention to prevent further loss of life. Residents of the area have reportedly been facing severe problems related to contaminated and irregular water supply, overflowing sewage, and poor sanitation for a prolonged period.

According to local reports and inputs from residents, muddy and foul-smelling water has been supplied to households, while at times water supply remains completely disrupted. Medical practitioners in the area have also flagged a worrying rise in water-borne diseases such as jaundice, typhoid and hepatitis, with multiple new cases being reported daily. Adding to the concern, all three tubewells in the locality were reportedly non-functional for several days, aggravating the crisis.

The Mayor noted that such conditions are unacceptable for a city like Chandigarh and emphasized that similar complaints have also been surfacing from areas such as Sector 49 and Dhanas, indicating the need for a broader review of sanitation and water infrastructure in vulnerable pockets.

Highlighting the need for immediate preventive action, the Mayor has called for expeditious restoration of water supply infrastructure, thorough cleaning of sewage lines, and interim arrangements for safe drinking water wherever required. The Mayor has also underlined the importance of close coordination with the Health Department to ensure timely medical support and preventive health measures for residents affected by water-borne ailments.

He asked the Commissioner, MC Chandigarh that there is a need for accountability and systemic correction so that long-pending civic issues are addressed in a timely manner and do not escalate into public health emergencies. The Mayor emphasized that safeguarding public health and ensuring access to clean water and hygienic surroundings must remain a top priority for the Municipal Corporation.

“The safety and well-being of citizens, especially children, cannot be compromised. Preventive action, responsiveness and accountability are essential to ensure that such tragic incidents are not repeated,” the Mayor said, while seeking regular updates on remedial and preventive measures being undertaken on the ground.

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Cow welfare committee reviews facilities at Maloya Gaushala; Appreciates improvements and emphasises sustainable animal care

Chandigarh, February 7:-Aiming at cow welfare and animal protection, the Cow Welfare Committee conducted an inspection visit at Maloya Gaushala today to review the existing facilities, management practices, and overall well-being of the cattle housed at the shelter.

The visiting delegation included Sh. Ramesh Kumar, Member, Sh. Vinod Bansal, Member, and MC officials Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, Sh. Mohinder Pathak, Health Supervisor, Officials from Engineering wing, Senior officials of the Municipal Corporation, along with the Gaushala management and staff, were also present during the visit.

The Cow Welfare Committee constituted by the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, held its first meeting on January 23, during which it was decided to conduct monthly inspection visits to any one Gaushala across the city and cover all the Gaushalas.

During the inspection, the Committee reviewed arrangements related to animal health, shelter maintenance, fodder availability, cleanliness, veterinary care, and disease prevention measures. The members expressed satisfaction over the visible improvements made at the Gaushala, particularly in terms of hygiene standards, better upkeep of sheds, and enhanced attention to the health and comfort of the cattle.

The Committee appreciated the proactive steps taken by the Municipal Corporation and Gaushala authorities to strengthen cow welfare infrastructure and ensure humane treatment of animals. At the same time, the members emphasized the need for long-term and sustainable planning, including efficient waste management, eco-friendly practices, improved fodder management, regular health monitoring, and adoption of best practices in animal husbandry.

Highlighting the importance of a compassionate and responsible approach, the Committee underlined that cow welfare is an integral part of broader animal protection and urban environmental sustainability efforts. The members encouraged continuous coordination between the Municipal Corporation, veterinary officials, and Gaushala management to further enhance the quality of care provided to the animals.

Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, reiterated the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh’s resolve to strengthen animal welfare initiatives and ensure that Gaushalas function as safe, healthy, and well-managed shelters. He assured that the suggestions made by the Cow Welfare Committee would be examined carefully and incorporated into future action plans.

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