Gabi questioned whether the MC’s reputation will now face legal scrutiny, adding that the functioning of the civic body has already been under question for some time, and this new legal action could spark a fresh debate.The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) House meeting on Tuesday witnessed heated exchanges and protests over the city’s sanitation survey ranking, garbage management, and the condition of the garbage processing plant.During the Zero Hour, Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty showed a poster criticising the deteriorating state of cleanliness in the city, despite Chandigarh securing the second position in the Swachhata League rankings. He was joined by Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta and councillor Prem Lata, and the three staged a sit-in inside the House to protest against the current condition of the garbage processing plant. This led to a heated argument with Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, forcing her to take a five-minute break.Babla, meanwhile, defended the city’s second-place finish, stating that she was proud to receive the award from the President of India and that efforts would be made to secure the top spot next year. She later told the media that the Opposition’s problem was with the fact that Chandigarh ranked second and not with the criteria. She emphasised that the achievement reflected the hard work of the city and its residents, and not manipulation or favouritism.Chandigarh could fall to 100th rank if finances not improved: MC CommissionerMunicipal Commissioner Amit expressed concern over the financial condition of the corporation, warning that if revenue is not increased and development work remains stalled, Chandigarh could slip to the 100th position in the next sanitation survey. He noted that for the past three months, no road work or developmental activities have taken place due to a lack of funds.Congress councillor raises question on sanitation workers’ condition During the House proceedings, Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi raised key issues concerning sanitation workers operating in sectors 31 to 63 of the city. He pointed out that these workers have not yet received their entitled rations — jaggery, oil, and soap — despite the fact that the company’s tender is set to expire in a month. He questioned who would provide these essential supplies once the company exits.Gabi criticised the Mayor, saying that while she celebrates the city’s second-place ranking in the state, the ground reality is dire. He highlighted that around 30 per cent of Chandigarh’s streetlights are either non-functional or broken, leaving large parts of the city in darkness. “Is this what development looks like,” he asked.Story continues below this adHe further stated that CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) has not been operational for the past year. Junior Engineers (JEs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) are attempting to manage the situation independently, while the Mayor and Administration remain silent spectators.Informing the House of a legal development, Gabi revealed that the Human Rights Commission has taken a suo motu cognizance of a serious issue and issued a notice to the Chief Engineer of the MC. The hearing has been scheduled for September 19.Gabi questioned whether the MC’s reputation will now face legal scrutiny, adding that the functioning of the civic body has already been under question for some time, and this new legal action could spark a fresh debate.He also raised the issue of sewerage and sanitation workers, who have been on strike for the past six days due to non-payment of wages. These workers are struggling to put food on the table, and many cannot afford their children’s school fees. He called the situation “deeply shameful,” noting that such strikes for unpaid wages occur nearly every three months. Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:chandigarhChandigarh Municipal Corporation