Jalandhar: Officials outline measures to improve public services and quality of life

Jalandhar: “In 2026, our focus will be more on preventive action. We will keep a close eye on criminals released on bail, as we have found that at least 70-80% of crimes are committed by those out on bail. The recent snatching incident outside an ATM was also committed by an accused from Amritsar who was out on bail. We will keep a close eye on two-wheelers without number plates. Most criminals remove the number plates before committing a robbery or snatching. I will issue these instructions in all three of our districts, including Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Hoshiarpur. Our night patrolling is already going well, although fog is causing some problems these days. We will also focus on optimal use of software like Vahan on Phone and Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) to track snatchers’ details. Naka officers can take photos of suspects and upload them to match them with data on PAIS. My focus is on recent cases of kidnapping, sodomy, and the murder of a man. “We will also focus on ensuring speedy justice in serious crimes like murder. This is what happened to a five-year-old boy in Hoshiarpur. I am personally tracking some of these cases. Our awareness drives on cybercrime will continue in a more organized manner.” — Naveen Singla, DIG, Jalandhar Range
“We have initiated a lot in 2025, but looking ahead, I have set clear targets for 2026. The Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur Road project will be re-tendered and re-bidding is scheduled for March 2026. The Jandu Singha-Lamma Pind Road is now targeted for completion by April 30, 2026. We have set firm deadlines for major projects, including the Burlton Park Sports Hub by August 15, 2026, the PAP Flyover Project by October 31, 2026, and the Surface Water Project, which is expected to transform urban water supply, by December 31, 2026. Furthermore, efforts will be intensified to secure direct flights from Adampur to Delhi, further strengthening Jalandhar’s connectivity. The year 2025 marked the beginning of a year focused on governance reforms, infrastructure enhancement, and people-centricity. The initiatives taken have laid a strong foundation. I ensure that in 2026, the focus will be on timely completion of major projects. Continued emphasis on projects, improved connectivity, and the well-being of citizens, ensuring Jalandhar continues to progress rapidly and provides a transparent, accountable, corruption-free, and inclusive administration. I urge people to continue submitting their complaints to our action helpline 9646222555 and share their concerns with us on WhatsApp, along with photos and videos.” — Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar
“The biggest priority in 2026 will be improving response time and the quality of action taken on crime incidents. I expect things to improve significantly as 300 constables, currently undergoing training, will return by the first week of January. Therefore, we will be able to increase our strength across various teams, including PCR, police stations, and special teams. We are also working on redeveloping some drug hotspots in the city. There are some poorly lit areas in the city, including areas around open spaces like Burlton Park, behind the railway quarters, and 20 other such points. We will also focus on controlling petty crime by increasing CCTV surveillance. MC officials will install cameras at all locations where cameras have already been installed. Cybercrime will remain our priority this year as well. We are receiving numerous complaints about digital fraud in our morning meetings with the public. Recently, we received a case of fraud. A complaint has been received. An e-challan link was being sent to mobile phones, which the scammer used to withdraw ₹4 lakh from the account. We will work to raise awareness about such cases so that people do not fall into the trap.” — Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP Jalandhar
“My biggest priority in 2026 will be to improve response time to crime incidents and the quality of action. I hope things will improve further as 300 constables, currently undergoing training, will return by the first week of January. Therefore, we will be able to increase our strength across various teams, including PCR, police stations, and special teams. We are also working on redeveloping some drug hotspots in the city. There are some poorly lit areas in the city, including areas around open spaces like Burlton Park, behind the railway quarters, and 20 other such points. We will also focus on controlling petty crime by increasing CCTV surveillance. MC officials will install cameras at all locations where cameras have already been installed. Cybercrime will remain a priority this year as well. We have received numerous complaints about digital fraud in our morning meetings with the public.