‘Better infra, services’: Congress’ manifesto sees Panchkula as smart city

The article notes that as many as six mayoral aspirants and 87 ward nominees are in the fray for the May 10 elections. Poll watchers predict a keen contest between BJP’s Shyam Lal Bansal and Congress’ Bhardwaj.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh released the party’s municipal corporation manifesto on Friday, outlining priorities to develop Panchkula as a smart city, improve the drinking water system, reconstruct roads, strengthen the waste management system, and find a permanent solution for parking and traffic problems. The manifesto also promises multi-level parking, free parking, better coordination with resident welfare associations, simplification of community buildings’ booking, beautification of business sectors, and convenient services for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the needy. It also calls for basic amenities in slum areas, construction and maintenance of public toilets, and measures such as CCTV and Wi‑Fi, along with enhanced health and sanitation services. Pending development works would be completed within a stipulated time frame and action would be taken against corruption.