MC survey finds 60 city roads in ‘very poor’ shape

At a time when the Municipal Corporation (MC) battles a financial crisis, a survey of the civic body has found at least 60 city roads are in a “very poor” condition. The condition of 23 other roads has been categorised as “poor”.

The survey was aimed at prioritising the recarpeting of roads once adequate funds are made available to the MC.

Notably, the MC is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,860 km (approximately 60 per cent) of city roads. It had sought Rs 28 crore as a special grant from the UT Administration for recarpeting and maintenance of V-3 roads (sector-diving roads) falling under its jurisdiction, but the amount has not yet been released.

Sources said the “very poor” category indicates that the roads are in the most pathetic condition and require urgent recarpeting. In a majority of cases, the roads were last repaired six to eight years ago. The roads categorised under the “poor” category are in a marginally better state, but have also not been recarpeted for the past five years.

Some of the roads under the “very poor” category include the stretch between Sectors 19/27, 27/30, 27 D, 20 D, Sector 30 B, Sector 45, Sector 45A/B, in front of the civil hospital, the dividing roads between Sectors 31/32/46/ 47, Sector 32 C, Sector 9, Khuda Lahora colony number 2, back side of the mobile market, Maloya colony and Milk Colony in Dhanas.

Addressing the issue, MC road committee chairperson Dalip Sharma said the panel had passed road recarpeting works worth over Rs 45 crore in the last meeting, but work could not be carried out due to lack of funds. “Now, the work will start after the monsoon is over as it will not be possible to recarpet roads amid rain. By that time, the MC will also be able to get the funds,” he said.

Residents face the brunt

Kartar Singh, a resident of Sector 39 Chandigarh said the condition of roads had been deteriorating by the day, adding, “The internal roads have not been repaired for years. The condition in various sectors has deteriorated to an extent that commuters cannot use the roads at all.”

BJP councilor Saurabh Joshi said the agenda for recarpeting of roads in his ward had been prepared a long time ago but the work has not started due to shortage of funds.

Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty echoed the sentiment, saying many roads in his area require urgent maintenance. Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta also criticised the “pathetic” conditions of roads in the city.

Residents further highlighted the increased risk of

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Chandigarh