Patiala -Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal issued a 24×7 WhatsApp helpline 95920-03366 for prompt redressal of public complaints related to broken roads, sanitation, waterlogging and garbage dumping in vacant plots. Residents can send the location and photographs of the affected site through WhatsApp. A control room has also been set up to monitor and resolve complaints.
Chairing a review meeting with PDA Chief Administrator Aparna M.B., OSD Urban Development Mukilan R., Municipal Commissioner, Patiala Pooja Syal Grewal, Additional Commissioner Simarpreet Kaur and other officials, the DC directed the Municipal Corporation to intensify efforts to reduce the 172 identified garbage-vulnerable locations in the city.
He stressed strict enforcement against restaurants, dhabas and other commercial establishments dumping waste in the open, including imposition of fines. CCTV cameras should be installed at major garbage dumping points to identify violators, while night-time garbage lifting should also be ensured.
The DC said complaints regarding garbage, filth and waterlogging in vacant plots can be lodged on the helpline. Under the orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, owners/occupiers failing to maintain vacant plots will face penalties, besides recovery of cleaning expenses. In case of non-payment, an entry will be made against the property in the revenue record. The action will commence from September 21, 2026.
Dr Aggarwal also directed officials to expedite the Ablowal Dairy Project, with the remaining road to be completed by September 30, and initiate the process of shifting dairies from the city.
DC Patiala launches 24x7 WhatsApp helpline for civic complaints; residents can flag roads, sanitation, waterlogging, garbage issues
Reviewing revenue from cow cess, he directed regular collection from petrol/diesel, advertisements, rent/lease, cement, sand-gravel and marriage palaces to ensure adequate funds for the government gaushala.
The DC also reviewed the Fish Market Project, Rajindra Lake beautification, grants and schemes including the 15th Finance Commission, AMRUT, NCAP, PMAY-U, PM SVANidhi and DAY-NULM, besides streetlights, parks, fogging, stray-animal sterilisation and construction of dog shelters as per Supreme Court directions.
He directed all departments to work in coordination and complete development and sanitation works within stipulated timelines.