Jalandhar, August 1:
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of the district to submit detailed reports by August 11 on vacant government lands/properties under their jurisdictions, including those under illegal occupation. The goal is to ensure their protection and optimal public use.
Chairing a review meeting at the District Administrative Complex with Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Jasbir Singh and other officials, the Deputy Commissioner stressed safeguarding government properties. He instructed SDMs to include in their reports the exact location, area, ownership details, current status of occupation, and any related legal disputes.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to transforming urban and rural landscapes, Dr. Aggarwal urged that proposals be submitted soon to utilize these lands for public benefit — such as developing temporary parks or sports grounds.
He also closely reviewed reports submitted by senior officials on roads adopted under the Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission, launched to make Punjab a cleaner state. The DC instructed officials to conduct personal inspections of their adopted roads, notify relevant departments in writing of issues, and propose long-term solutions. A comprehensive report on the resolution of road issues must be submitted by September 30.
Emphasizing inter-departmental coordination, he directed that all departments prioritize resolving road-related problems raised by assigned officers to improve overall road conditions.
Reviewing the ongoing campaign for handling stray and sick animals in Jalandhar, the DC instructed officials to ensure all such animals are relocated to shelters by August 31. The initiative aims to ensure both humane care and public safety. He called for enhanced manpower, shelter capacity, and public awareness. A WhatsApp helpline (9646-222-555) has also been launched for citizens to report such cases.
Finally, he reviewed the campaign to clean garbage dumps and debris from vacant plots. He instructed strict action against plot owners who fail to clean their properties, including imposing fines and making Red Entries into revenue records.
Dr. Agarwal said that people needing assistance for cleaning vacant plots can share the plot's location and address on the administration's WhatsApp number 9646-222-555, so timely help can be ensured.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner (U.T.) Mukilan R., R.T.A. Secretary Balbir Raj Singh, R.T.O. Amanpal Singh, Joint Commissioner Municipal Corporation Sumandeep Kaur, along with officials from various departments.
