category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has announced the closure of 8 toll plazas located in the state. This strategic move is set to bring relief to the general public. Announcing the closure of toll plazas during a press conference here today, the Chief Minister said that with this decision, the public would save Rs 22.48 crore annually. These include seven toll plazas operated by the Public Works Department. The toll plazas which will cease operations include Teokad toll plaza in Kurukshetra district to the Pehowa-Patiala Punjab border on State Highway-19, three toll plazas on Saundh, Charoda, and Pathredi road on Hodal Nuh-Patoda Pataudi road, Rai-Nahra-Barota, and Bamnoli toll plazas on Bahadurgarh road, Sunhera toll plazas up to Punhana-Jurhera Rajasthan border, and Bandhwadi, Crusher Zone, Pakhal, Nurera toll plazas on Faridabad and Ballabhgarh Sohna road. In addition, Alipur Tigra and Biwan toll plazas on Firozpur Jhirka Biwan road will also ceased operation. This decision provides relief to the public saving Rs 22.48 crore annually. In reply to a question on SYL issue, the Chief Minister stated that the Central Government is earnestly committed to implementing the Supreme Court s decision in the regard. Emphasizing the distinction between water availability and requirement versus canal construction, he highlighted that the tribunal has to decide on the water share for Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Union Jal Shakti Minister, Sh Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, is scheduled to convene a meeting with the Chief Ministers of both states, Punjab and Haryana, in Chandigarh on December 28. When questioned about the possibility of conducting elections for the Haryana Assembly concurrently with the Lok Sabha, Sh Manohar Lal stated that the decision rests with the Central Election Commission and the Central Government. Assuring readiness, he explained that the Election Commission has the authority to conduct simultaneous elections if there is a gap of six months between the two. However, in this case, the difference between the Lok Sabha and Haryana Assembly elections is less than six months. When asked about the policy for the construction of stilt four-storey buildings in the sectors managed by the HSVP, the Chief Minister explained that the policy was introduced for the convenience of the public. Despite some objections leading to legal challenges, the government established a committee, chaired by P. Raghavendra Rao, whose report has been received. Emphasizing the importance of public convenience, he stated that the policy will only be implemented in areas where the public expresses a desire for it. It will also be applicable in new developments. To another query about the parole for Ram Rahim, the Chief Minister said that every prisoner has the right to seek parole, and it depends on the conduct of the prisoner. He pointed out that the jail manual also includes the concept of open jails, allowing prisoners to work outside during the day and return in the evening. Addressing a query regarding the security lapse in the Lok Sabha, he expressed regret over the incident occurring on the anniversary of the Parliament attack. Attributing the incident to anti-national elements, he said that a number of accused have been apprehended, security agencies are actively investigating the matter, and those responsible will not be spared. When asked about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the Chief Minister said that the public should get information about what the government welfare initiatives and if any eligible person has not got the benefits of the welfare schemes then eligible individuals receive the benefits of welfare schemes directly at their homes. Today, 37 countries of the world come under the category of developed countries. (editor dailyworld.in)