Bhubaneswar, Feb. 29: The municipal corporation today decided that from this fiscal it would provide Rs 1 crore to each ward for carrying out various projects.
The decision was taken in line with the smart city project being implemented in Bhubaneswar.
"Last year, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation had provided Rs 70 lakh to each ward. Later, on demand from various councillors, it had given Rs 13 lakh more for the purpose in two instalments. Hence this time, the civic body has decided to provide an amount of Rs 1 crore to each ward," said chief finance officer Labanya Sabar.
In the amended practice, each councillor will have to intimate the civic body of the projects to be undertaken in his or her ward. Following this, engineers will make a field visit. Then funds for the proposed project will be sanctioned from the earmarked Rs 1 crore.
"This is a welcome step by the civic body. The hike in the annual grant to the wards will allow us to take up various projects with ease. The move will save time as well as help us expedite the proposed works in respective wards," said a councillor.
The civic body today presented its final budget of Rs 685.22 crore for 2016-17. While the civic body expects a revenue generation of Rs 508.03 crore, it plans to spend Rs 485.39 crore on various projects.
"The budget is very diversified and we have focused on developments of water bodies, parks, roads, drains and street lights. We have decided to install 15,000 more LED bulbs across the city and hope to save energy up to 80 per cent. The drainage system will also be improved across the city," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
Moreover, in view of media reports about yesterday's incident of handling of an unidentified body that had to be carried on a rickshaw to the mortuary, Jena said the corporation would from now onwards take all responsibilities of performing last rites of such bodies. It has also decided to develop the Satya Nagar mortuary accordingly.
"The state government has been providing a grant of Rs 6,000 for performing last rites of an unidentified body - which includes transportation and procurement of logs. We will request the state to hike the grant amount," said Jena.
Today the corporation also constituted a committee that will come up with guidelines to ensure proper placement of hoardings across the city.
"The committee has been asked to undertake a study and prepare guidelines within 15 days regarding placement of departmental and political hoardings. There will be designated places to put up such hoardings," said municipal commissioner Krishan Kumar.
Besides, the civic body will spend Rs 57 crore on solid waste management, Rs 4.8 crore on drains, Rs 4.5 crore on water ATMs, Rs 1 crore on night shelters, Rs 2.3 crore to install high-mast lights, Rs 1.5 crore on heritage sites, Rs 1.42 crore to construct community centres, Rs 2 crore for build recreation halls for senior citizens and Rs 5.17 crore for parks and greenery.
