The reason behind the closure of the MC office could not be ascertained as the executive officer and president of the Kharar Municipal Council were not available for comments despite repeated attempts.

Kharar Sub-Divisional Magistrate A.S. Dhindsa, when contacted, confirmed that August 16 was not a public holiday and said he was surprised over the closure of Kharar MC office. The SDM said the Kharar MC executive officer and president were not available the ascertain the reason behind the closure of the MC office. He said the matter would be taken up seriously.

The Regional Deputy Director, Punjab Department of Local Government, Ludhiana, Satwant Singh, when contacted, reiterated that August 16 was not declared a holiday by the state government and hence the government offices in the state were supposed to remain open today. Replying to a question, he said the closure of a government office without any holiday was a violation of the government norms and hence, strict legal action would be initiated against the Kharar MC authorities for doing so.

Meanwhile, the residents of the township faced great hardship following the closure of the MC office today.