SAS Nagar: Little action, problems aplenty

Sanjay Bumbroo

A Congress bastion with a unique place due to its history and proximity to Chandigarh, the SAS Nagar Assembly constituency has been grappling with civic issues for past several years. So much so, these now dominate the discourse here.

SAS Nagar, popularly known as Mohali, was given the status of a district in 2006. Residents continue to wage a lonely battle against encroachments, sanitation and stray animals. A senior leader Satnam Singh Dhanoa says politicians instead of making tall promises in the run-up to the elections should first try to provide basis amenities to residents.

The Baba Banda Singh Interstate Bus Terminal is yet to be made fully operational. In May 2012, the MC had assured the High Court of acquiring 13 acres near Dera Bassi for a waste dumping site, but the promise remains unkept. Authorities have identified 4,000 encroachers, but are yet to issue any notice.

Locals’ key demands

• Action against encroachers
• Waste disposal site
• Better inter-city bus service
• Stray cattle control

Past trend

The district was carved out of areas falling in Ropar and Patiala as 18th district on April 14, 2006. Congress’ Balbir Singh Sidhu won from SAS Nagar constituency in 2012 and and 2017 Assembly elections. In 2007 polls, he had won from the Kharar constituency.

Electorate strength

Total voters: 2,34,113

Male: 1,22,146

Female: 1,11,958

Third gender: 9