Chandigarh Mayor on Sunday acknowledged the need for reconsideration of the recent increase in sewerage cess to alleviate the financial burden on residents.The remarks were made during a meeting of the Chandigarh Residents Associations Welfare Federation (CRAWFED). The meeting was held at the Community Centre in Sector 40, Chandigarh where representatives from approximately 96 residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) participated under the chairmanship of Hitesh Puri. A memorandum highlighting key issues concerning the municipal corporation (MC) was handed over to the officials including chief guest for the meeting Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and councillor Gurbax Rawat.Babla also endorsed initiatives such as a centralised toll-free helpline for public grievances, regular on-ground inspections by officials, and enhanced recreational facilities for senior citizens. She assured transparency in community centre bookings by ensuring receipts for the sweeping service fee and took note of the proposal to rename these spaces as ‘City Club’ or ‘City Centre’The Mayor also expressed her concern over the stray animal menace and assured to strengthen measures for vaccination and sterilisation to ensure public safety. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of eradicating begging through a well-defined policy.She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to improving waste management practices and maintaining cleanliness at garbage collection centres. Babla directed officials to maintain a proper record of tree measurements and ensure efficient road repairs to enhance city infrastructure.Earlier, the residents also pointed out that the increase in cess from 20 per cent to 30 per cent should be reconsidered to prevent additional financial burdens on residents.The CRAWFED members also stated that a strict policy should be implemented to address the presence of beggars at traffic signals, markets, and residential areas. During the meeting, the issue of unauthorised use of loudspeakers by street vendors, beggars, and individuals soliciting donations should be restricted to maintain peace and order was discussed.The CRAWFED members also underscored that the parks properly maintained by the RWAs should not be taken back by the MC, and that the funds for maintaining parks should be released to RWAs immediately. The Mayor reiterated her support for the timely release of funds to RWAs for park upkeep and assured that well-maintained parks would not be taken over by the the civic body.Story continues below this adThe association also submitted that a receipt should be issued for Rs 2,000 booking fee collected for sweeping services at community centres, and the civic body authorities shall consider renaming these centres as “City Club” or “City Centre” to reflect their significance in community activities.The CRAWFED members highlighted the immediate resurfacing of V5 and V6 roads that have surpassed their five-year lifespan or are in poor condition should be undertaken. Also, the cleanliness and hygiene should be ensured at garbage collection centres to prevent littering.Puri emphasised the need for effective governance, advocating for an increase in the Mayor’s term to five years for improved accountability and results. He suggested incorporating a public audit system to monitor fund expenditures and urged the Mayor to seek alternative revenue sources from corporate sponsorships and advertisements rather than imposing financial burdens on residents.Rajat Malhotra, general secretary, CRAWFED, highlighted the growing concern regarding stray animals in Chandigarh. He called for effective measures to catch, vaccinate, and sterilise stray animals to enhance public safety and hygiene. He also advocated for a centralised toll-free helpline between the Chandigarh Administration and the MC to address and resolve public grievances efficiently.Story continues below this adUmesh Ghai, senior vice-chairman, CRAWFED, urged officials to conduct regular on-ground visits to ensure proper execution and compliance with municipal orders.On the occasion, councillor Rawat assured that the policy-related issues raised in the meeting would be brought up for discussion during the MC House meetings.Meanwhile, Babla said that on her first day in office, she inspected the garbage processing plant at Dadumajra, noting some improvements in reducing the dump. She proposed planting trees at the site to create a greener area.Addressing financial constraints faced by the MC, the Mayor informed that she, along with other councillors, had met with the Chandigarh Administrator and secured an assurance for the release of funds between March 10 and 15, which would help in executing public works.Story continues below this adShe further assured that she would raise the issues of unauthorised street vendors and loudspeaker usage in the upcoming Vendor Committee meeting.Expressing concern over the poor conditions of cows in gaushalas maintained by the MC, the Mayor proposed transferring the maintenance of these shelters to NGOs. She also mentioned that ward committees would soon be reconstituted. Regarding illegal vendors in Sector 11 and around PGIMER, she promised to discuss the matter with the PGIMER director and instruct the enforcement staff to take action.