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Hillary Victor

Hillary Victor is a Special Correspondent at Chandigarh. He covers Chandigarh administration, municipal corporation and all political parties.

Articles by Hillary Victor

Chandigarh cancels liquor licences of eight noisy nightclubs

The licences were cancelled under Section 36(c) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, as extended to Chandigarh, which grants the authority to cancel or suspend the liquor licences of violators

The eight clubs and discotheques that repeatedly violated noise pollution norms include Bargain Booze, Hard Rock Café, Kala, De’Orra Club, MOBE, and Boulevard in Sector 26, as well as Kukuna Club and The Vault in Sector 7, Chandigarh. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 25, 2025 07:20 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Stray dog population drops by 4k in 7 years in Chandigarh: Census

A combination of sterilisation drives, vaccination programmes, and adoption initiatives has contributed to reducing stray canines, says senior health dept official

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 24, 2025 07:52 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh admn toasts to success with sale of 96 of 97 liquor vends in one go

HPS Brar, collector (Excise), Chandigarh, credited amendments in the UT Excise Policy, such as allowing bars to procure liquor from retail vends and inter-vend stock transfer within the same entity, and rationalisation of liquor quotas

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 22, 2025 09:09 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Phase-3 Industrial Area in Chandigarh: A project that never took off

Spread over 153 acres near Raipur Kalan, the area has seen only three allotments, with the land still devoid of any road, power or water infrastructure, and hope for its development in near future also remains faint

Phase 3 was envisioned in 2001 to ease congestion in the already overcrowded Phases 1 and 2, housing over 1,800 industrial plots across a combined 1,262 acres. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 21, 2025 09:50 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh Housing Board Sector-53 housing scheme to face delay

A senior officer of the Chandigarh Housing Board stated that the launch of the housing scheme would be delayed by seven to eight months

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 20, 2025 08:30 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

ESZ around Sukhna sanctuary to remain at 100m: Punjab in SC

Residents of Kansal, Nada, Nayagaon, and Chhoti Karoran had strongly opposed the forest department’s earlier proposal to expand the ESZ to 1–3 km, citing fears that it would lead to the demolition of numerous structures, severely impacting their lives and livelihoods

Residents of Kansal, Nada, Nayagaon and Chhoti Karoran had opposed forest department’s proposal to expand ESZ to 1–3 km. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 20, 2025 08:08 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Mohali

Chandigarh: 2 decades later, MC yet to collect ₹32cr from admn, reveals audit

Revelation comes amid civic body’s acute fund crunch, which has delayed employee salaries; ₹25 crore deposited with court & ₹7 crore in UT admn’s bank account since MC didn’t claim the funds

Development projects remain stalled amid the civic body’s struggle to meet monthly liabilities. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 18, 2025 10:18 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Denied venue in Panchkula, Honey Singh to perform at Chandigarh’s Sector 25

A senior officer from the Chandigarh administration stated, “We have received an application from the organisers of Honey Singh’s concert to book the ground for around five days and the booking process is ongoing.”

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 14, 2025 07:50 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

7 yrs later, Chandigarh admn’s startup policy still a non-starter

The policy first began taking shape in 2018, two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Startup India Policy, urging UTs and states to draft their own policies tailored to the needs of regional entrepreneurs

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 14, 2025 07:24 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Punjab factor: Chandigarh slashes reserve price at auction of 97 liquor vends begins on March 13

Chandigarh has been suffering losses for the last two years due to Punjab’s excise policy. In Punjab, excise duty and VAT are just 1%. In contrast, Chandigarh imposes an excise duty ranging from ₹66 to ₹377 per proof litre, with VAT at 12.5%. This allows liquor vendors in Punjab enjoy higher profit margins compared to those in Chandigarh. Liquor rates in Punjab are also slightly higher than in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 13, 2025 09:48 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Sector 39 grain market auction: Amid opposition by traders, Chandigarh admn files caveat in high court

A caveat is a caution or warning, giving notice to the court not to issue any grant or take a step without notice being given to the party lodging the caveat

The auction is being conducted online, and for the first time, it is open to general public as well, a move that has drawn opposition from traders in Sector 26. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 11, 2025 11:48 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

No price hike in Chandigarh excise policy pours joy for Bacchus lovers

Chandigarh admn keeps liquor prices unchanged in its Excise Policy for 2025-26; lowers annual revenue target to ₹800 crore

The excise policy will come into force from April 1, 2025. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 11, 2025 11:34 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

On Int’l Women’s Day, meet the women leaders redefining power in Mohali and Panchkula

On International Women’s Day, Hindustan Times had a tete-a-tete with these remarkable women making a difference in these two districts, one initiative at a time

Komal Mittal, a 2014-batch IAS officer and deputy commissioner of Mohali, believes that leadership is about embracing imperfections and staying true to one’s values. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 08, 2025 10:42 AM IST

ByHillary Victor

Chandigarh: 15 years on, 83 owners await full right over their homes

In 2008-09, the Chandigarh administration allowed conversion of these plots from leasehold to freehold, even through a General Power of Attorney holder, following which allottees began applying for conversion

Allottees tiresome wait for conversion from leasehold to freehold continues, despite completion of registration and payment of unearned profit. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 07, 2025 09:04 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Property prices in Chandigarh set to soar

The Chandigarh administration has proposed a nearly fourfold increase (400%) in collector rates for residential areas in villages, a 130% hike for properties in Sectors 1 to 12, a 96% increase in Sectors 14 to 37, and an 80% rise in Sector 38 and beyond

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 06, 2025 09:46 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

5 or more pending challans? Now, no vehicle insurance & pollution certificates for you in Chandigarh

The transport department has placed such drivers on the non-transaction list, meaning that they will be unable to carry out transactions such as ownership transfer, renewal of registration certificates (RC) or pollution certificates etc. It is mandatory to get renew pollution certificate every six months.

There are around 1.43 lakh drivers in the city who have been fined five or more times but are yet to pay the challans. RTI data reveals that over 7,600 commuters in Chandigarh have been fined 25 times or more in the past five years. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 05, 2025 10:22 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Demolished wall not integral part of Rock Garden, clarify officials

According to official records, the land in question was designated as forest land, while the wall being demolished was located outside the forest area; however, it was built by Nek Chand, the creator of Rock Garden

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 05, 2025 10:20 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Staging big events to get costlier as Chandigarh admn plans ₹5-lakh booking fee

Estate office sends proposal to Chandigarh chief secretary to hike fee for commercial events like concerts and expos at the Sector 25 and 34 grounds

The new rate will apply only for commercial events with gatherings exceeding 5,000 people, while other events will continue to be booked at <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>30,000 per day. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 04, 2025 08:34 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Rock Garden wall demolition: Chandigarh floated tenders much before green ministry’s nod

A month after green ministry’s approval, demolition work began on February 22, triggering public outcry; but after protests by residents, the Chandigarh administration is now claiming that the wall is not an integral part of Rock Garden.

Tender issued in December 2024, nearly a month before the ministry approved diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes in January 16. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 03, 2025 08:50 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

With focus on renewable energy, Chandigarh admn revises climate action plan

While the plan was initially prepared in 2015, it was updated to meet international climate targets, with a strong focus on renewable energy and sustainability, while also adhering to the framework provided by the Union ministry of environment, forest, and climate change

The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative seeks to enhance afforestation efforts through community-driven tree plantation campaigns. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 02, 2025 09:00 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Policy to regularise need-based changes out of question, says Chandigarh Housing Board

The meeting, convened after a gap of more than 20 months, was chaired by Chandigarh chief secretary-cum-CHB chairman Rajeev Verma

Currently, around 68,000 flats exhibit some form of violation, including additional rooms and toilets, conversion of balconies into rooms, covering of courtyards and even construction of stairs on government land. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 28, 2025 09:42 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Trees in the way, 13% government houses not to get solar rooftop plants

Solar panels have also been installed in all major government office buildings in the city; Chandigarh has a total of 6,200 government houses; after completing installations on them, the administration has set a target to install solar power plants in all private buildings by December 2025

According to CREST, 550 government houses face various issues, such as inadequate meter load or non-allotment, preventing the installation of solar plants. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 27, 2025 09:12 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

CHB Sector-53 housing scheme sees strong interest: 500 applications for 372 flats in 4 days

Officials are anticipating more applications before then, suggesting high demand for the project—the first CHB offering in Chandigarh since 2016

The demand survey is being conducted to assess whether there is enough interest to proceed with the scheme, comprising 372 flats in three categories—192 three-bedroom HIG units, 100 two-bedroom MIG units and 80 two-bedroom EWS flats. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 27, 2025 08:58 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Sector-39 grain market shops to open for public bidding via e-auction from March 3

The auction will be conducted online and for the first time it will be open to general public, a move that has drawn opposition from traders in Chandigarh, Sector 26

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 25, 2025 09:34 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh okays axing of 352 trees to shift marble market

The marble market of Dhanas as well as the furniture market of Sector 53-54 will be shifted to a 44-acre site in Sector 56 where 200 one-kanal plots and 48 booths will come up.

The deadline for completing the work at the site in Sector 56 has been set for March 31.

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 24, 2025 08:16 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Old Mehfil hotel building collapse: Owner told to clear debris under NITTTR’s watch

Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the process will be videographed to ensure that the removal of debris did not affect nearby buildings

Regarding the show-cause notices issued to the owner, lessee, and architect, who were held responsible for the collapse in the inquiry report by sub-divisional magistrate Naveen, Yadav said, “We have received their replies, the hearing has been conducted and we will recommend action next week.” (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 22, 2025 09:24 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 18 lakh traffic challans unpaid as drivers speed past accountability

Over 7,600 commuters have been fined 25 times or more in Chandigarh in past five years, reveals RTI data from past five years

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 21, 2025 07:46 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Tricity Metro project: Panel now told to give detailed report on ridership estimates

The panel’s first meeting was held on January 28, where members were directed to reassess and reconfirm the project’s financial feasibility

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 19, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Group home invites applications, set to begin operations in March

The department has decided to keep the security deposit for a five-year term at ₹20 lakh. However, the deposit requirement has been completely waived for applicants from the economically weaker section (EWS) category.

After six months of delay, the group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness in Sector 31 is set to begin operations in the first week of March. The social welfare department has now invited applications for admission, with a submission deadline of 20 days. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 18, 2025 09:00 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Secrecy’s out: Chandigarh admn to adopt open voting in mayoral poll

Deputy commissioner’s office begins process to amend Chandigarh municipal corporation rules to replace secret ballot with voting by ‘show of hands’ in future polls

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 17, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

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Hillary Victor

Hillary Victor is a Special Correspondent at Chandigarh. He covers Chandigarh administration, municipal corporation and all political parties.

The licences were cancelled under Section 36(c) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, as extended to Chandigarh, which grants the authority to cancel or suspend the liquor licences of violators

A combination of sterilisation drives, vaccination programmes, and adoption initiatives has contributed to reducing stray canines, says senior health dept official

HPS Brar, collector (Excise), Chandigarh, credited amendments in the UT Excise Policy, such as allowing bars to procure liquor from retail vends and inter-vend stock transfer within the same entity, and rationalisation of liquor quotas

Spread over 153 acres near Raipur Kalan, the area has seen only three allotments, with the land still devoid of any road, power or water infrastructure, and hope for its development in near future also remains faint

A senior officer of the Chandigarh Housing Board stated that the launch of the housing scheme would be delayed by seven to eight months

Residents of Kansal, Nada, Nayagaon, and Chhoti Karoran had strongly opposed the forest department’s earlier proposal to expand the ESZ to 1–3 km, citing fears that it would lead to the demolition of numerous structures, severely impacting their lives and livelihoods

Revelation comes amid civic body’s acute fund crunch, which has delayed employee salaries; ₹25 crore deposited with court & ₹7 crore in UT admn’s bank account since MC didn’t claim the funds

A senior officer from the Chandigarh administration stated, “We have received an application from the organisers of Honey Singh’s concert to book the ground for around five days and the booking process is ongoing.”

The policy first began taking shape in 2018, two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Startup India Policy, urging UTs and states to draft their own policies tailored to the needs of regional entrepreneurs

A caveat is a caution or warning, giving notice to the court not to issue any grant or take a step without notice being given to the party lodging the caveat

Chandigarh admn keeps liquor prices unchanged in its Excise Policy for 2025-26; lowers annual revenue target to ₹800 crore

On International Women’s Day, Hindustan Times had a tete-a-tete with these remarkable women making a difference in these two districts, one initiative at a time

In 2008-09, the Chandigarh administration allowed conversion of these plots from leasehold to freehold, even through a General Power of Attorney holder, following which allottees began applying for conversion

The Chandigarh administration has proposed a nearly fourfold increase (400%) in collector rates for residential areas in villages, a 130% hike for properties in Sectors 1 to 12, a 96% increase in Sectors 14 to 37, and an 80% rise in Sector 38 and beyond

According to official records, the land in question was designated as forest land, while the wall being demolished was located outside the forest area; however, it was built by Nek Chand, the creator of Rock Garden

Estate office sends proposal to Chandigarh chief secretary to hike fee for commercial events like concerts and expos at the Sector 25 and 34 grounds

A month after green ministry’s approval, demolition work began on February 22, triggering public outcry; but after protests by residents, the Chandigarh administration is now claiming that the wall is not an integral part of Rock Garden.

While the plan was initially prepared in 2015, it was updated to meet international climate targets, with a strong focus on renewable energy and sustainability, while also adhering to the framework provided by the Union ministry of environment, forest, and climate change

The meeting, convened after a gap of more than 20 months, was chaired by Chandigarh chief secretary-cum-CHB chairman Rajeev Verma

Solar panels have also been installed in all major government office buildings in the city; Chandigarh has a total of 6,200 government houses; after completing installations on them, the administration has set a target to install solar power plants in all private buildings by December 2025

Officials are anticipating more applications before then, suggesting high demand for the project—the first CHB offering in Chandigarh since 2016

The auction will be conducted online and for the first time it will be open to general public, a move that has drawn opposition from traders in Chandigarh, Sector 26

The marble market of Dhanas as well as the furniture market of Sector 53-54 will be shifted to a 44-acre site in Sector 56 where 200 one-kanal plots and 48 booths will come up.

Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the process will be videographed to ensure that the removal of debris did not affect nearby buildings

Over 7,600 commuters have been fined 25 times or more in Chandigarh in past five years, reveals RTI data from past five years

The panel’s first meeting was held on January 28, where members were directed to reassess and reconfirm the project’s financial feasibility

The department has decided to keep the security deposit for a five-year term at ₹20 lakh. However, the deposit requirement has been completely waived for applicants from the economically weaker section (EWS) category.

Deputy commissioner’s office begins process to amend Chandigarh municipal corporation rules to replace secret ballot with voting by ‘show of hands’ in future polls

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