Bitumen Shortage Slows Road Re-carpeting Works; Mayor Saurabh Joshi Directs Immediate Measures to Prevent Delays

Emergency Review Meeting Held; Bitumen Shortage Cited as Major Challenge, Mayor Orders Immediate Action

Chandigarh, June 9:- Taking serious note of the pace of road re-carpeting works being undertaken across the city, Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi today convened an emergency review meeting with the Engineering Wing of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and representatives of the agencies executing the works.

MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora, Superintending Engineer (B&R) Sh. Dharmender Sharma and other concerned officers were present during the meeting.

During the review, contractors apprised the Mayor that the progress of road re-carpeting works has been adversely affected due to the non-availability of bitumen in the market. The shortage has disrupted the supply chain and slowed down the execution of several ongoing projects across the city.

Taking serious note of the situation, Mayor Saurabh Joshi directed the contractors and officials to explore all possible alternatives for procuring bitumen and ensuring uninterrupted execution of works. He emphasized that supply-related constraints should not become a reason for prolonged inconvenience to the public.

The Mayor instructed the Engineering Wing to closely monitor the availability of bitumen and maintain constant coordination with contractors to remove bottlenecks and expedite the pending works. He further directed that regular progress reports be submitted to ensure effective monitoring and timely completion of projects.

"The residents of Chandigarh should not suffer due to supply-related challenges. All concerned agencies must work in close coordination and make every possible effort to accelerate the pace of road re-carpeting works. Public convenience and quality infrastructure remain our top priorities," said Mayor Saurabh Joshi.

The Mayor also directed the contractors to mobilize additional resources, wherever required, to compensate for the delays caused by the shortage of bitumen and ensure that the works are completed within the stipulated timelines.

Reaffirming his commitment towards strengthening Chandigarh's road infrastructure, Mayor Saurabh Joshi stated that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is actively monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the timely completion of development works and provide better civic amenities to the residents of the city.

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MC Chandigarh Forms 18 Flood Control Teams and Establishes 7 Control Rooms for Monsoon Preparedness

Chandigarh, June 9th: In view of the upcoming monsoon season, the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, today reviewed the preparedness arrangements made by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) to tackle water-logging and other rain-related emergencies. As part of its comprehensive monsoon preparedness plan, MCC has constituted 18 Special Flood Control Teams and operationalized 7 Flood/Water-Logging Control Rooms across the city.

These arrangements will remain in force from 20th June to 30th September, 2026, to ensure prompt response and effective redressal of water-logging complaints and emergency situations arising during the monsoon period.

The control rooms will function round-the-clock (24x7) with dedicated staff deployed in three shifts. Citizens can report water-logging and related issues through the following control room numbers:

Control Room Details and Contact Numbers

Sector 11 Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sectors 1–6, 11–12, 14, Khuda Lahora, Khuda Jassu, Khuda Alisher, Khuda Lahora Colony (Parts I & II), Dhanas and Sarangpur
Phone: 0172-2747820

Sector 38 Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sectors 36–42, 53–56, Dadu Majra Colony, Maloya, Palsora, Badheri and Buterla
Phone: 0172-2690523

Sector 17 Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sectors 9, 10, 15–18 and 21–24
Phone: 0172-2703507

Industrial Area Phase-I Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sector 20, Sectors 28–30, Industrial Area Phase-I, Raipur Kalan and Daria
Phone: 0172-2655816

Industrial Area Phase-II Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sectors 31, 47–50, 63, 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Ram Darbar, Hallomajra and Behlana
Phone: 0172-2642611

Sector 32 Fire Station
Areas Covered: Sectors 32–35, 43–46, 51–52 and 61
Phone: 0172-2648610

Manimajra Fire Station
Areas Covered: Manimajra, IT Park, Kishangarh, Mauli Jagran, Sectors 7–8, 19 and 26–27
Phone: 0172-2734656

Each control room will have dedicated field teams comprising Field Managers (FMs), Multi-Task Workers (MTWs), Public Health officials and supporting staff. The concerned Public Health Officer (PHO) will act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for coordination and effective response.

Special Measures and Departmental Responsibilities

Eighteen emergency response teams comprising officials from the Public Health, Roads & Buildings (B&R), Horticulture, Medical Officer Health (MOH), Electrical and Fire Departments have been deployed at strategic locations across the city.
Five water tankers along with drivers will remain available round-the-clock for emergency operations.
Fire Department personnel trained in disaster management will be stationed at key locations for prompt emergency response.
The B&R Wing will undertake immediate barricading and safety measures at collapse-prone or damaged sites.
No Casual Leave or Earned Leave shall be granted to officials and staff engaged in monsoon emergency duties during the operational period, except under exceptional circumstances.
All concerned departments have been directed to maintain readiness and ensure the availability of adequate manpower and resources for immediate deployment whenever required.
Two enforcement vehicles will be stationed at each control room to facilitate field inspections and emergency response.
The Commissioner emphasized that all departments must remain fully prepared and work in close coordination to ensure public safety and minimize inconvenience during the monsoon season.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh appeals to residents to cooperate during the monsoon period and promptly report incidents of water-logging or related emergencies through the designated control room numbers for swift redressal. The team for water logging and other emergent issues is attached herewith.