PHAGWARA: In a significant push towards urban reform and civic revival, the Phagwara Municipal Corporation (MC) is witnessing a marked transformation under the leadership of Mayor Ram Pal Uppal. Once criticized for inefficiency and stagnation, the civic body is now taking constructive steps aimed at restoring public trust and improving municipal governance.
Municipal Corporation PhagwaraCommissioner Dr Akshita Gupta, who took charge with a clear vision three months back is determined to develop Phagwara as a model Municipal Corporation in Punjab. Her administration is committed to ensuring that the corporation functions in a non-political, citizen-centric manner, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and responsive governance. “The Municipal Corporation will work impartially and serve the people with a smile, ” she asserted, outlining her philosophy of leadership.
One of the pressing issues Dr. Gupta has prioritized is the removal of illegal encroachments, especially in the city’s congested marketplaces. A targeted campaign has been launched to reclaim public spaces, ensuring smoother traffic flow and better accessibility for pedestrians and shoppers. Simultaneously, plans are underway to allocate designated vending zones, such as in the Chhappati area, to organize street vendors (rehriwalas) without disrupting public order.
Urban cleanliness and sanitation are also receiving renewed focus. Efforts have been intensified to clean choked drains, especially ahead of the monsoon, and to repair damaged and potholed roads, which have been a longstanding grievance of residents. Street lighting systems are being normalized, ensuring safety and visibility in poorly lit areas, while a citywide ban on plastic use is being enforced to promote environmental sustainability.
The corporation has also turned its attention to animal welfare and public hygiene by initiating the sterilization of street dogs, in collaboration with veterinary teams, to address the growing stray dog population humanely. Additionally, the maintenance of public toilets is being streamlined to meet hygiene standards, particularly in high-traffic zones.
To strengthen the administrative backbone of the MC, retired patwaris are being engaged on an outsourcing basis to assist in land records and property-related matters. This move aims to boost efficiency while reducing bureaucratic delays. Moreover, internal workforce reforms are underway, with pending employee confirmations being processed and safai karamcharis (sanitation workers) being recruited on a contractual basis to address staff shortages.
Revenue generation is another area receiving attention. The MC is exploring advertising spaces across public infrastructure to augment income, which will be reinvested in civic projects. Plans are also in place to establish a municipal library, encouraging educational and community engagement activities for citizens.
Commissioner Dr. Akshita Gupta’s proactive governance style has already begun to draw public attention and praise. While challenges remain, her firm resolve to deliver visible and measurable improvements signals a new chapter in the functioning of the Phagwara Municipal Corporation.
As reforms continue to gain momentum, residents of Phagwara are hopeful that the city will soon stand as an example of efficient urban governance, echoing the Commissioner’s vision of a clean, organized, and inclusive civic space.