Inauguration of 24X7 Water supply project: Plaque with Mayor’s name changed at last moment
Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 6
The plaque for inauguration of the 24X7 water supply project at Shivalik Park in Mani Majra had the name of Mayor Kuldeep Kumar but was replaced with a new one at the last moment after the authorities came to know that the Mayor would boycott the event in protest.
The inaugural stone was placed near the dais that day as the building of the project is situated far from the venue. It was later put up on a wall at the building.
“After we realised he may give it a miss, we got one more plaque made as we had no other option. The names of only those present at such big events are mentioned on the plaque,” said an official concerned, adding that MP Manish Tewari’s name was not there in the previous plaque because he had confirmed his prior engagement to the authorities well in advance. Sources said as the Mayor didn’t turn up at the venue, officials had to change not only the plaque but also seating plan on the dais at the eleventh hour. His name was not on the invite as it was entirely a Smart City project funded under the mission.
Tewari and the Mayor had skipped the launch of 24x7 water supply pilot project by Home Minister Amit Shah. Though there was no comment by Tewari on his absence from the programme, the Mayor had said he boycotted the event since the BJP had hindered the proposal to provide free 20,000 litres of water to the residents of Chandigarh. He had also said that not mentioning the names of the MP and the Mayor on the invitation is an insult to all residents. Meanwhile, the Mayor told Chandigarh Tribune that he was not concerned about his name not having been mentioned on the plaque but he only wanted free water should be provided to the residents.
