'Will revive HMT, link Panchkula with Chandigarh Metro'

Banto Kataria, BJP candidate from Ambala Lok Sabha seat, has assured that she will take forward pending projects started by her late husband, Rattan Lal Kataria. While speaking to TOI's Arvind Bishnoi, Kataria shared her views on transforming Panchkula into a tourist and education hub. She also touched upon the row involving stilt-plus-four buildings:
Panchkula district is an important part of your constituency. Why do you think its residents should vote for you?

Residents of Ambala Lok Sabha constituency want to pay homage to Rattan Lal Kataria in this election, as he has worked for the people and carried out multiple development works. During his tenure as Union minister of state for Jal Shakti, he launched 'Har Ghar Nal, Har Ghar Jal' scheme and provided water to each and every household across Haryana. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's govt took over, the PM started various projects for the welfare of the country, including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and free ration to over 80 crore people. On the other hand, Congress govt is known for 2G scam, 3G scam, Coal scam and Urea scam. I challenge the Congress party to list 60 works they have done in the 60-years. If PM Modi is voted to power, he will make India a developed and powerful country by 2047.

HMT was shut in 2016 under BJP's rule. Rattan Lal Kataria, being an MP, had requested the Centre to use this land for setting up some MNC, or to give it to ministry of railways or defence. Are you going to take up this issue?

Due to the poor policies of the Congress govt, HMT was running into losses, and even paying salaries was tough. There were also reports that HMT employees were working at the newly established industrial hub in Baddi. The BJP led government realised that financial burden of running the unit, after which it was shut. But I will try to revive it. I will talk to the PM and request him to set up a railway or defence part production unit, so that youth can get jobs.

The BJP-led government has announced to develop Panchkula as a tourism and medical hub. What steps will you take to make this plan successful?

We have developed Tikkar Tal in Morni as a tourism hub, and on weekends, it is hard to find a spot. Similarly, Atal Cancer Hospital has been inaugurated in Ambala; a AYUSH university is under construction in Panchkula, and NIFT has started in Sector-23. Besides this, HSIIDC is developing Panchkula as an industrial hub, and more industries will be set up here soon. Moreover, former CM Manohar Lal Khattar has prepared a project for setting up a film city, for which land has been earmarked in Pinjore. Recently, a three-days film festival was also held in Panchkula, which was attended by top actors and directors.

Do you agree that the Chandigarh Metro project should be extended to Panchkula and Kalka?

Rattan Lal Kataria had a dream to link Panchkula with a Metro network. I will talk with all stakeholders to ensure that Chandigarh metro is extended to all important points of both Panchkula and Kalka. This will also end congestion across the city

Illegal mining is a major issue in Panchkula district. What steps will you take to prevent this?

Mining issue has never come to me. If something like this comes to my knowledge, I will definitely take it up.

What is your opinion on the stilt-plus-four floor construction plans?

Stilt plus four floor plan was started keeping in mind the rise in population, and to provide accommodation to all. But when residents started facing issues, they approached the high court and it was stopped. One such building is also coming up near my house, which has blocked sunlight. In newly developed sectors, such permissions should be granted, but in developed sectors, the concerned officials and builders must inspect the area first.

Will you raise the issue of Panchkula colleges to be affiliated with Panjab University?

This is an issue of concern. Being a tricity, and Chandigarh being a joint capital of Haryana and Punjab, Panchkula residents must be given quota for admission in PU and its affiliated colleges. I also faced this issue when my children were denied admission. I will take up this issue on a priority basis.

Do you have any vision for the Ambala Lok Sabha constituency?

My motive is to make Ambala constituency number one in the north in terms of development, per capita income, education and tourism. A logistic hub was started by Rattan Lal Kataria during his tenure, and I will take that forward. Ambala constituency is near Delhi, and I will ensure better air connectivity by developing a passenger and cargo terminal in Ambala.



Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.