CHANDIGARH: The year 2009 was not an easy one for the Chandigarh municipal corporation as it remained mired in a row of controversies. Though many changes were introduced in the larger interest of the public, these were overshadowed due to issues which took the MC by storm.

Besides, ego clashes between councillors also cast a shadow on the civic body’s working during the course of the year.

The conscientious issue of the garbage processing plant also caused much of a stir in various house meetings of the MC. The problem erupted over the functioning of the plant and the issue

attained such magnanimity that teams of experts from the government of India came to inspect the plants’ premises.

A team of UT administration’s environment wing also visited the plant with the Central team.

The councillors, particularly Chandermukhi Sharma, also levelled allegations against MC

officials that they were not taking appropriate action against the plant management. Besides, water and property tax was not imposed in the city due to opposition by Congress members. The Union government also sent repeated reminders to the civic body that they need to impose taxes for grants.

Ties also went awry between Congress councillor Devinder Singh Babla and commissioner Dr Roshan Sunkaria. The issue of Babla’s exemption from MC house meets also kept surfacing time and again. Incidents of violence at the night food street also became a hot topic of discussion among MC councillors. However, the police acted swiftly and ensured adequate

security arrangements. Meanwhile, another night food street will soon be come up in southern sectors of the city. In a major move, the Centre also released a grant of Rs 171 crore to UT for the construction of new pipes to supply potable water from Kajauli water works.

Beside, two community parking lots were also set up at Burail and in sector-19 this year.

For the convenience of residents, a single window system was also started where they could submit their building documents.

A number of community centres, green belts and parks were also set up during this year.