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Munieshwer A Sagar

Munieshwer A Sagar is a principal correspondent at Chandigarh and reports on real estate.

Articles by Munieshwer A Sagar

Conversion of leasehold to freehold: SC junks Chandigarh’s objections, asks it to do ‘needful’

UT had raised eight objections to its own proposal of allowing conversion, but SC termed all of these as “untenable” and pointed flaws in each of the UT’s arguments

The issue of allowing conversion of industrial and commercial properties has been hanging fire for more than two decades. UT allowed conversion of residential properties in 1996. (HT PHOTO )

cities

Published on Aug 30, 2022 02:51 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Filth to fuel: Chandigarh MC set to harness cow dung

The civic body plans to purchase 10 machines, each of which will cost the MC around ₹55,000, for processing cow dung and producing briquettes

At present, almost all cow dung generated in the MC’s cattle pounds is being dumped in seasonal rivulets, without being processed (HT PHOTO )

cities

Updated on Aug 29, 2022 03:49 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh MC set to hire all-weather machine to repair roads

With this all-weather machine, the Chandigarh MC can carry out road patchwork even during winters and monsoon, which was earlier impossible. As per officials, all different stages of patch work are integrated in a single machine, and it takes only a few hours to complete the task.

Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) is all set to hire an all-weather jet-patcher machine, at a cost of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2 crore. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 28, 2022 02:24 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Leasehold to freehold conversion: In major U-turn, Chandigarh raises 8 key objections to proposal

In its letter to the MHA, UT officials write, “If commercial and industrial plots are converted to freehold, there will be a shortage of properties with the administration.”

cities

Published on Aug 27, 2022 03:29 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Leasehold to freehold conversion: Now, MHA seeks fresh report from Chandigarh

The Chandigarh administration had first sent a proposal for ministry’s in-principle approval in April 2021, which was followed by four reminders

MHA’s demand comes just four days before the August 29 deadline set by the Supreme Court for UT and MHA to reach a consensus on Chandigarh’s long-pending policy matters. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 26, 2022 01:46 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

65% registered street vendors in Chandigarh not paying monthly fee

With majority of the registered street vendors defaulting on monthly payments, the municipal corporation will take up the issue with the newly constituted Town Vending Committee on September 9

Of the total 10,937 vendors registered with Chandigarh MC, only 3,833 vendors have been regularly paying their fee. (HT File Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 25, 2022 02:01 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Study tour: Not just Goa, Chandigarh councillors decide to pack bags for Mumbai too

Amid opposition from AAP councillors, Congress, BJP and SAD councillors unite to give the go-ahead to the Goa tour, while adding Mumbai to the itinerary and extending it from four to six days

AAP and BJP councillors protesting against each other during the House meeting at the MC office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Tuesday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

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Published on Aug 24, 2022 02:18 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh hops on the EV lane with seed money to subsidise buyers

The finance department has created a corpus of ₹5 crore, to be used to fund subsidies for buyers; with this allocation, officials estimate that subsidy can be given to around 500 buyers; there will, however, be a cap on the number of vehicles getting the subsidy. In case of e-cycles, the first 25,000 buyers will be eligible for the subsidy; for e-two-wheelers, the number stands at 10,000; e-cars 2,000; autos 1,000 and e-cars (commercial) first 1,000.

The UT’s electric vehicle (EV) policy is all set to be rolled out by month-end with the finance department creating a corpus of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5 crore, to be used to fund subsidies for buyers. (Shutterstock)

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Published on Aug 23, 2022 02:39 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Over 800 govt buildings owe Chandigarh MC ₹84 crore in property tax

Over 800 buildings of Punjab, Haryana and central governments in Chandigarh, and even UT administration, are among the list of defaulters, who are being sent recovery notices with a two-week deadline

Of the total property tax dues, <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>26 crore are owed by 41 properties belonging to different institutions, such as Panjab University, PGIMER, Punjab Engineering College, ICSSR, and other government colleges and schools in Chandigarh. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Published on Aug 22, 2022 04:04 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s public bike sharing project changes track year after launch

To evoke more response, as many as 62 of the existing 310 docking stations are likely to be relocated, as proposed by the agency managing the public bicycle sharing project in Chandigarh

Since the launch of the project’s first phase in August 2021, more than 1 lakh users have downloaded the official mobile app and around 1,300 users make use of the app daily, with the number going up to 1,800 on public holidays. (HT Photo)

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Published on Aug 18, 2022 02:06 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Concerns over fiscal viability: Rough ride for bicycle sharing system; third phase pushed to Sept

With the public bicycle sharing system struggling to generate adequate funds to make the project self-sustainable, it has been a rough ride for the green initiative over the last two months.

UT adviser Dharam Pal will hold a review meeting with the firm carrying out the project to discuss the initiative’s future and financial viability on August 17. (Keshav Singh/HT)

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Updated on Aug 15, 2022 01:48 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Dadumajra landfill: Firm finalised, legacy waste removal set to pick up pace

In its second attempt at allotting the work for legacy waste removal, the Chandigarh municipal corporation on Friday finalised the firm

A total of 12.5 lakh MT legacy waste is to be cleared at the Dadumajra landfill to reclaim over 25 acres of land. (HT Photo)

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Published on Aug 13, 2022 02:07 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Lower liquor prices in Punjab cause slump in sales in Chandigarh

Within days of cut in liquor prices in Punjab under its new excise policy, contractors in Chandigarh are reporting 50% drop in sales

A carton of Kingfisher beer now costs <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>450- <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>500 in Punjab, compared to <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>950 to <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1,000 in Chandigarh, where there has been no change in price. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 12, 2022 03:55 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 2 water bodies being revived in Sarangpur, Kaimbwala villages

In a bid to recharge groundwater levels in Chandigarh and boost rainwater harvesting, two water bodies in Sarangpur and Kaimbwala villages which had earlier dried up are being revived. The work will be completed in August 15

The pond in Sarangpur village, Chandigarh, which was revived by the administration.

cities

Published on Aug 11, 2022 12:31 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

IAF choppers to make Chandigarh’s Independence Day celebrations special

Adding more cheer to the Independence Day event will be the public that remained in low numbers amid sombre celebrations for the last two years

IAF helicopters will shower participants at the Independence Day event with flower petals and a contingent of parachutists will paradrop with the Tricolour during the ceremony. (PTI File Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 10, 2022 02:48 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Hygiene, waste management upgrade for Chandigarh MC slaughter house in offing

For the upgrade for Chandigarh MC slaughter house, a consultant is being hired to prepare a detailed project and tender document; the modernised slaughter house is expected to be ready in two years

Chandigarh MC’s hygiene and waste management upgrade for its slaughter house is expected to be ready in two years. (HT File)

cities

Updated on Aug 10, 2022 03:19 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, MHA meeting to reach consensus on long-pending policy issues comes a cropper

Chandigarh takes up issues of allowing conversion of leasehold commercial and industrial properties to freehold, and rationalisation of misuse charges; but no decision was taken by MHA

While the leasehold to freehold conversion and misuse charges were at the centrestage of the Chandigarh-MHA meeting on Monday, the UT administration also reminded the MHA about other pending issues, including the city-specific Tenancy Act, creation of new posts and extension of posts that lapsed during the Covid-19 period. (HT)

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Published on Aug 09, 2022 02:21 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

326 Chandigarh households fined since August 1 for unsegregated waste

The fine for unsegregated waste ranges from ₹232 to ₹11,576 per default, depending on the category of the housing unit

It has been more than three years since Chandigarh MC mandated segregation of waste at source. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 06, 2022 03:01 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh admn to continue recruitments through old rules

The UT personnel secretary has written to all administrative secretaries and heads of departments to continue with old rules till fresh ones are finalised by the Chandigarh administration

The personnel secretary reasoned that it will not be fair to keep matters like appointment (direct/promotion/ deputation), probation, confirmation, etc. in limbo till the Recruitment Rules are finalised as per Central Rules. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

cities

Published on Aug 06, 2022 03:01 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

In 6 months, expect a smarter, more effective parking system in Chandigarh

FASTag for quick payment, a guidance system on whether to enter the parking lot at all and booking facility among host of improvements being planned by Chandigarh MC

The working of the current parking contractors in Chandigarh has been under scanner for quite some time and they have been repeatedly penalised for several shortcomings. (HT File Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 05, 2022 03:03 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

After tepid response to property auctions, CHB cuts reserve prices by 15%

A total of 98 commercial and 17 residential properties will be put up for auction, likely on August 16, with reserve prices slashed by 15%

Notably, this is not the first time that CHB has had to lower the reserve prices of its properties in the face of poor response from bidders. It took a similar decision in September last year as well. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

cities

Published on Aug 04, 2022 03:58 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Long-pending policy matters: After SC rap, Chandigarh adviser, MHA joint secy to meet on Aug 8

SC in July had taken a serious note of the Chandigarh administration passing the buck to MHA for delay in policy decisions

Policy issues like approval for conversion of commercial and industrial properties from leasehold to freehold, and rationalisation of misuse and building violation charges will be taken up at the meeting. (iStock)

cities

Published on Aug 03, 2022 03:09 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

From today, Chandigarh MC to up ante against regular waste sorting defaulters

The Chandigarh MC, after a detailed survey of all localities in the city, has identified 514 households which are regular defaulters, and giving mix garbage without segregation, said MC commissioner Anindita Mitra.

Now, with the existing plant expected to work more effective and efficiency in next three months, the need for waste to be segregated would be more urgent. The MC has allotted work for major overhaul of the machinery at the plant. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 01, 2022 02:24 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Home minister Amit Shah assures full support to Punjab in war on drugs

Home minister Amit Shah said that the drug problem is greater in Punjab as it is a border state and therefore, more effort will have to be made to tackle it

cities

Published on Jul 31, 2022 01:48 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Zero-tolerance policy towards drugs giving results: Amit Shah

Speaking after inaugurating a two-day national conference on drug trafficking and national security, Shah emphasised the importance of tracking the funding behind network that dealt in drugs.

Union home minister Amit Shah addresses the National Conference on Drug Trafficking and National Security organised by NCB, in Chandigarh on Saturday. (ANI)

india news

Updated on Jul 31, 2022 12:39 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh:

Amit Shah to visit Chandigarh on July 30, talks on key issues unlikely

Amit Shah’s day-long visit is unlikely to see the UT administration taking up any long-pending policy matters with him; but major announcements by the home minister cannot be ruled out, say UT officials

A long list of Chandigarh’s issues is pending with the Union ministry of home affairs, some even for several years now. (PTI)

cities

Published on Jul 30, 2022 04:58 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s legacy waste removal project: Firm makes lowest bid of ₹79 crore, MC to try to bring it lower

The other two companies quoted much higher bids of ₹122 crore and ₹126 crore; in Chandigarh MC’s last attempt too, bids were higher than ₹100 crore

A total of 12.7 lakh MT legacy waste is to be cleared from the 25-acre Dadumajra landfill in Chandigarh. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jul 29, 2022 03:54 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Councillors gearing up for yet another jaunt, this time to Goa

₹14-lakh tour planned to visit Goa to study its waste processing technology; agenda to come up before the Chandigarh MC General House at its July 29 meeting

Despite lakhs spent on study tours, there is no notable change on the ground as Chandigarh continues to struggle with issues of sanitation, water supply and waste management. Most of the reports of these tours have come under scanner for being copy-paste jobs or lifted from internet. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Jul 27, 2022 03:29 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Group home for mentally ill: Chandigarh admn invites tenders for ₹26-crore project

The Chandigarh engineering department has invited tenders from interested agencies for the ₹26.79 crore project that is expected to be ready by May-June next year

The permanent group home will come up on two acres of vacant land at the Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID) in Sector 31, Chandigarh. (Shutterstock)

cities

Published on Jul 26, 2022 03:09 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

Shorter route to Chandigarh airport: CHIAL on board with admn’s proposal, IAF’s nod needed next

The Chandigarh administration is planning a new road from the T-point intersection of Vikas Marg (coming from Sector-43 ISBT) and Purv Marg (coming from Tribune Chowk)

The shorter route will reduce the distance between Chandigarh and the airport in Mohali to 3 to 5 km. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jul 26, 2022 03:09 AM IST

ByMunieshwer A Sagar, Chandigarh

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Munieshwer A Sagar

Munieshwer A Sagar is a principal correspondent at Chandigarh and reports on real estate.

UT had raised eight objections to its own proposal of allowing conversion, but SC termed all of these as “untenable” and pointed flaws in each of the UT’s arguments

The civic body plans to purchase 10 machines, each of which will cost the MC around ₹55,000, for processing cow dung and producing briquettes

With this all-weather machine, the Chandigarh MC can carry out road patchwork even during winters and monsoon, which was earlier impossible. As per officials, all different stages of patch work are integrated in a single machine, and it takes only a few hours to complete the task.

In its letter to the MHA, UT officials write, “If commercial and industrial plots are converted to freehold, there will be a shortage of properties with the administration.”

The Chandigarh administration had first sent a proposal for ministry’s in-principle approval in April 2021, which was followed by four reminders

With majority of the registered street vendors defaulting on monthly payments, the municipal corporation will take up the issue with the newly constituted Town Vending Committee on September 9

Amid opposition from AAP councillors, Congress, BJP and SAD councillors unite to give the go-ahead to the Goa tour, while adding Mumbai to the itinerary and extending it from four to six days

Over 800 buildings of Punjab, Haryana and central governments in Chandigarh, and even UT administration, are among the list of defaulters, who are being sent recovery notices with a two-week deadline

To evoke more response, as many as 62 of the existing 310 docking stations are likely to be relocated, as proposed by the agency managing the public bicycle sharing project in Chandigarh

With the public bicycle sharing system struggling to generate adequate funds to make the project self-sustainable, it has been a rough ride for the green initiative over the last two months.

In its second attempt at allotting the work for legacy waste removal, the Chandigarh municipal corporation on Friday finalised the firm

Within days of cut in liquor prices in Punjab under its new excise policy, contractors in Chandigarh are reporting 50% drop in sales

In a bid to recharge groundwater levels in Chandigarh and boost rainwater harvesting, two water bodies in Sarangpur and Kaimbwala villages which had earlier dried up are being revived. The work will be completed in August 15

Adding more cheer to the Independence Day event will be the public that remained in low numbers amid sombre celebrations for the last two years

For the upgrade for Chandigarh MC slaughter house, a consultant is being hired to prepare a detailed project and tender document; the modernised slaughter house is expected to be ready in two years

Chandigarh takes up issues of allowing conversion of leasehold commercial and industrial properties to freehold, and rationalisation of misuse charges; but no decision was taken by MHA

The fine for unsegregated waste ranges from ₹232 to ₹11,576 per default, depending on the category of the housing unit

The UT personnel secretary has written to all administrative secretaries and heads of departments to continue with old rules till fresh ones are finalised by the Chandigarh administration

FASTag for quick payment, a guidance system on whether to enter the parking lot at all and booking facility among host of improvements being planned by Chandigarh MC

A total of 98 commercial and 17 residential properties will be put up for auction, likely on August 16, with reserve prices slashed by 15%

SC in July had taken a serious note of the Chandigarh administration passing the buck to MHA for delay in policy decisions

The Chandigarh MC, after a detailed survey of all localities in the city, has identified 514 households which are regular defaulters, and giving mix garbage without segregation, said MC commissioner Anindita Mitra.

Home minister Amit Shah said that the drug problem is greater in Punjab as it is a border state and therefore, more effort will have to be made to tackle it

Speaking after inaugurating a two-day national conference on drug trafficking and national security, Shah emphasised the importance of tracking the funding behind network that dealt in drugs.

Amit Shah’s day-long visit is unlikely to see the UT administration taking up any long-pending policy matters with him; but major announcements by the home minister cannot be ruled out, say UT officials

The other two companies quoted much higher bids of ₹122 crore and ₹126 crore; in Chandigarh MC’s last attempt too, bids were higher than ₹100 crore

₹14-lakh tour planned to visit Goa to study its waste processing technology; agenda to come up before the Chandigarh MC General House at its July 29 meeting

The Chandigarh engineering department has invited tenders from interested agencies for the ₹26.79 crore project that is expected to be ready by May-June next year

The Chandigarh administration is planning a new road from the T-point intersection of Vikas Marg (coming from Sector-43 ISBT) and Purv Marg (coming from Tribune Chowk)

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