Disclosing this during his address at the Republic Day celebrations at Parade Grounds in Sector 17 here yesterday, Adviser to UT Administrator Jagdish Sagar said, under the scheme as many as 1,307 applicants have been found eligible, who would soon be allotted sites by draw of lots.

The Adviser further stated that the Administration had also evolved a plan to set up mechanics and auto spare parts dealer shops near the petrol pumps in the city.

He said it had also been decided to issue identity cards to cobblers, washermen, ironingmen and other such persons functioning on roadsides. Besides, the installation of PCOs, Fax and photostat machines in 15 sq metres area in residential sectors has been allowed and the policy to regularise existing nursing homes in residential areas has been announced. For those who are not eligible, sites have been kept reserved in other areas, he added.

The Administration had decided to provide basic facilities to old houses constructed outside lal dora, the cost of which would be borne by the beneficiaries. Stringent measures will be taken against new illegal constructions by developers, as there was a need for planned development. Sagar added that stress would be laid on EWS/LIG housing.

The Adviser said it had been decided to develop 1,850 acres of land between Mohali and Chandigarh and notification for acquisition of such land have already been issued. While about 500 acres of land is being acquired in Jhumru, Palsora, Burial, Kumbra and Kajheri villages, about 300 acres is also being developed in Sector 38 by the Chandigarh Housing Board which will suffice for the need of 1.5 lakh people.

While other facilities are being provided in rural areas, a sum of Rs 2.6 crore is being spent exclusively on providing new a building and other facilities in rural schools.

The Adviser added that the fourth stage of Chandigarh Water Supply Scheme, providing 2 crore gallons of water per day, has also been approved, while the proposal to upgrade it to 6 crore gallons is under consideration of the Central government. He added that steps are being taken to increase the water pressure at 18 points and boosting pumps are being installed at ten points. There is also a proposal to instal new pumping machines at Sector 12 and 38 waterworks, he said.

Speaking in Hindi, the Adviser earlier inspected the guard of honour and unfurled the national flag. He later presented commendation certificates/mementos and distributed prizes for the march past and tableaus. A colourful cultural programme was also organised.

Seven local citizens, including Vijay Rattan, Babu Ram, Joginder Singh, Kiran Nangia, Bheem Malhotra and Jaspal Bhatti were also honoured on the occasion. However, Jaspreet Thakar, a local architect, who was among the seven to be honoured was not present to receive the honours. Head Constable Jai Bhagwan was also awarded the Presidents' Police medal.

In the march past, while the overall trophy went to Chandigarh Police, contingents of CRPF, Punjab Armed Police and Chandigarh Lady police also won prizes. Besides, Chandigarh Home Guards, NCC senior boys Air wing, Ist Chandigarh NCC Girls Battalion, Road Safety patrol of GGMSSS, Sector 16, St John Ambulance Brigade: boys wing of St Kabir School Boys, NCC (Girls) wing of Govt Girls Senior Secondary school, Sector 8, NCC (Boys) GSSS, Sector 19-D, GMSSS Sector 10 among Guides, St Anne's School, Sector 32 among Scouts and GMSSS, Sector 20-D among schools children (girls) and GMSSS Sector 32 among school children (boys). The GMSSS-21 and GSSS, Dhanas also won prizes for their Garhwali and Bhangra dances in the cultural programme.