For journalist-turned-politician and recently elected Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Kharar Kanwar Sandhu, the biggest challenge is to provide basic facilities in his area.
Talking to press, the first-time MLA assured that he would keep all promises made by him to residents of the area.
“I am ready for all challenges,” said Sandhu, adding that the state of basic infrastructure and the health and education sectors in the area was pathetic.
He said most of the area in his constituency was extremely backward and neglected.
“My biggest challenge is to provide the people of the area basic amenities first,” said Sandhu.
In the absence of link roads in most villages in the area, mainly on the Kurali side, reaching these was a big task, said Sandhu. “Most villages have no approach roads. And in the ones which have, the condition of the roads is pathetic. These are almost non-existent,” said Sandhu.
In contrast, the main roads in the area, especially those leading to the Mullanpur side, were of top class for obvious reasons, he said.
“My first endeavour will be construction of link roads in villages here,” said Sandhu.
Removal of the toll plaza on the Kurali-Siswan road, illegal mining and plying of tippers in the area are some other major issues which will be taken up on priority by the newly elected MLA.
“The toll plaza on this scheduled road is uncalled for. The matter (removal of toll) will be taken up soon. I will not let it remain here,” said Sandhu.
He said illegal mining was rampant in the area and there was no check on plying of tippers carrying sand and gravel.
“I will stop all these illegal activities. The issue will be taken up in Assembly sessions by us,” said Sandhu.
The MLA, who had promised residents of the area to upgrade the Kurali hospital in case he won, said the issue was among his priorities.
“The hospital at Kurali will be upgraded in terms of facilities, increase in staff, specialised doctors and infrastructure. My endeavour will be to convert it into an ultra-modern hospital,” said Sandhu.
The MLA is contemplating relocating the Kharar bus stand site. “Nobody bothered to address the bus stand issue so far. I will address the issue by identifying a new suitable site for the bus stand in the area,” said Sandhu.
Getting things streamlined at Nayagaon is another big challenge for Sandhu.
“The area (Nayagaon) is marred by all kinds of problems, including sewerage, drinking water, sanitation, haphazard construction and encroachments. I will try to get all problems addressed here,” said Sandhu.
“If needed, our party will not hesitate to resort to dharnas and protests to get the work done for our people,” said Sandhu.