Ojasvi Alankar took charge as the Municipal Corporation Commissioner three days ago. As Ludhiana has not done well in the Swachh Survekshan survey, a litter-free Ludhiana remains the main priority of the MC chief along with several challenges.
In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the MC Commissioner, who was present in his office besides Thursday being a holiday, said since he was not new to the city and has served on many posts. He realises the pulse of the city and wishes to see it free of clutter and garbage.
“It includes proper management of waste, it can be from domestic households, construction, hospitals, etc. We will involve residents and NGOs to make city neat and clean and garbage-free. Cleanliness and sanitation are the utmost important areas,” he said.
“I am calling a meeting with the department concerned to start with the cleaning process along the Buddha Nullah, choked sewerages, etc. Besides, the storm-water management remains my priority,” he said.
Good mobility needed
Another area where Ojasvi wishes to focus on was the public transport. He said despite being the most populated city, there was no good public transport for the convenience of residents. Good mobility was the need of the hour. “We are in the process of getting around 100 e-buses in next few months. Once it is done, much respite would be given to the public,” said the MC Commissioner.
When asked about the ‘pick and choose policy’ of the government in getting works executed in wards represented by AAP councillors and ignoring councillors belonging to the opposition party, Ojasvi said he believes in “merit”. “I will go by merit, wherever works are to be completed on a priority, I will get the same done. It can be any ward,” he said.
On illegal constructions
“I am getting many complaints on illegal constructions going on in the city. It has been just two days since I have joined the office. Even today, which is a holiday, I have called a meeting of the Building Department to get feedback and later, we will take action accordingly,” the MC Commissioner said.
