Chandigarh is charting an ambitious path toward environmental sustainability with its State Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC) 2.0, recently approved by the Union Environment Ministry. The city aims to reduce 1.26 crore tonnes of carbon emissions by the year 2030 through integrated strategies in energy, transport, infrastructure, and waste management. Key highlights of the plan include: Solar Energy Expansion: From the current 90 MW, Chandigarh plans to scale its solar power...

In a recent city-wide audit, the Chandigarh traffic police found alarming inconsistencies in speed-limit signage. Out of 1,131 surveyed road links, 637 had wrong or outdated signs, 178 had no signage, and 175 lacked proper two-wheeler limit boards. These errors pose safety risks and legal ambiguities for both drivers and traffic authorities. Officials are now working to fix these issues urgently by replacing and updating signs across major roads and inner sectors.

Just five months after taking over electricity distribution in Chandigarh, the private firm CPDL (Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd) has proposed a hike in power tariffs. The proposal was filed with the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, citing an ₹81 crore deficit. The move is likely to face public resistance, and a public hearing has been scheduled for July 25 at the Sector 10 UT Guest House. Consumers, especially in residential sectors, are worried about increased bills and lack of...

In a move towards simplifying city transport and parking, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has proposed a unified monthly parking pass for all residents. For just ₹500 (cars) and ₹250 (two-wheelers), citizens will be able to park at any paid parking lot in the city. The initiative aims to remove the hassle of paper slips and introduce a mobile app-based digital tracking system. The system will not cost the MC a rupee, as a banking partner will handle operations. If adopted by at least...

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the controversial assault case of retired Army Colonel V.P. Bath. The court’s decision came after the family alleged manipulation, delayed action, and evidence tampering by Chandigarh Police. The case, involving a politically connected accused, raised widespread concern over police neutrality. The HC noted serious lapses in FIR registration and handling of the medical report, which...

In a recent city-wide audit, the Chandigarh traffic police found alarming inconsistencies in speed-limit signage. Out of 1,131 surveyed road links, 637 had wrong or outdated signs, 178 had no signage, and 175 lacked proper two-wheeler limit boards. These errors pose safety risks and legal ambiguities for both drivers and traffic authorities. Officials are now working to fix these issues urgently by replacing and updating signs across major roads and inner sectors.

Chandigarh’s municipal politics is taking a turn towards transparency. The upcoming mayoral elections will now be held through a public show-of-hands vote rather than a secret ballot. This comes in the wake of controversies and political disputes earlier this year. The entire process will be videographed and kept in digital storage for 90 days for public record. This change, as per the UT administration, will curb manipulation, encourage honest voting, and enhance democratic...

In a move towards simplifying city transport and parking, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has proposed a unified monthly parking pass for all residents. For just ₹500 (cars) and ₹250 (two-wheelers), citizens will be able to park at any paid parking lot in the city. The initiative aims to remove the hassle of paper slips and introduce a mobile app-based digital tracking system. The system will not cost the MC a rupee, as a banking partner will handle operations. If adopted by at least...

Chandigarh Teachers Win Justice After 10-Year Wait: Tribunal Orders Regularisation In a major relief to 26 teachers in Chandigarh, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has struck down a 2017 order by the UT Administration that had indefinitely extended their probation period. The tribunal has now ordered the Administration to regularise their services and grant all pending benefits for the probation period that was wrongly extended. The Background These teachers were appointed in 2015...

62-Year-Old Woman Acquitted in Cheating Case Due to Lack of Evidence In a recent judgment, a local court acquitted Krishna Kumari Sharma, 62, who had been facing charges in a cheating case registered nearly a decade ago. The court found that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations brought against her. The case dates back to February 25, 2015, when a complaint was filed by Ravi Prakash Gupta along with 35 other co-complainants. They alleged that Krishna Kumari was operating a "kitty"...

Chandigarh Set to Become India’s First Slum-Free City Chandigarh is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone — becoming the first slum-free city in India. With 17 out of 19 slum colonies already demolished, the city has reclaimed 504 acres of valuable land, worth over ₹20,000 crore. The remaining two slum settlements, spread over 15 acres, are next in line for clearance. Once the last phase is completed, the total reclaimed land will reach 519 acres, with an estimated...