Panchkula mayor bats for revival of cycle tracks

Panchkula: Reviving the old cycling track project will be among the priorities of newly elected mayor Sham Lal Bansal.Bansal, who formally assumed office on Saturday, said Panchkula was the first city in Haryana to introduce dedicated cycling tracks — a concept that had received widespread appreciation from residents. He added that many countries around the world are promoting cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport.“Revival of cycling tracks will help save fuel, strengthen environmental conservation efforts, and improve public health,” he said.He also reaffirmed the municipal corporation’s commitment to making Panchkula a clean, well-organised and progressively developing city, and pledged to give fresh momentum to development projects.On arriving at the MC office, Bansal paid his respects by touching the ground before entering the building. He later performed a prayer ceremony before taking charge.Thereafter, he held a meeting with MC commissioner Vinay Kumar, joint commissioners Gaurav Chauhan and Simarjeet Kaur, along with ward councillors. The councillors discussed issues and development needs related to their respective wards.Councillor Bharat Hiteshi highlighted several concerns of his ward before officials, who assured that appropriate action would be taken.The mayor said that with the cooperation of councillors and officials, development works across the city would be accelerated. He expressed gratitude for the trust and support of the people and said improving sanitation, strengthening door-to-door waste collection, and enhancing civic amenities would remain key priorities.