Infra works delay: Bawankule slams NMC over non-utilisation of Rs310cr
The govt has already specified the type of development works to be prioritised under these special infrastructure funds. These include water supply and sewerage works, construction, expansion or cleaning of drains to meet major urban demands, and installation of streetlights, high-mast lighting, footpaths, and stormwater drainage lines.
During a high-level review meeting at NMC headquarters, Bawankule expressed strong displeasure over the civic body's failure to submit a zone-wise development plan, despite the funds being earmarked by then deputy chief minister and incumbent CM Devendra Fadnavis.
He warned officials to urgently prepare and submit detailed proposals, ensuring the projects align with local needs and benefit citizens.
The meeting was attended by city MLAs Krishna Khopde, Pravin Datke, Vikas Thakre, NMC commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, district collector Vipin Itankar, and senior civic officials. Bawankule instructed that MLAs be actively consulted in identifying area-specific works and called for the appointment of sub-engineers in each zone to oversee implementation of projects under the District Planning Committee (DPC) fund.
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アマゾンで爆売れ「スゥーっと浸透した」爪に潜む菌まで殺菌する特殊ジェル
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He emphasised that execution must begin without further delay.
City MLAs also demanded that the civic administration eases mandatory online tender condition for works above Rs10 lakh and insisted that elected representatives be taken into confidence for all development works in their constituencies.
The state has encouraged civic bodies to take up projects like building community halls, temples, gyms, libraries, and markets, along with public toilets and urinals.
Other permissible works include the development of open spaces, parks, upgradation of existing gardens, conservation of heritage structures, construction or renovation of govt buildings, improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, and development of cremation grounds and green belts such as Amrutvan.
Any other infrastructure project directly related to urban services can also be considered.
Notably, this is not the first time NMC drew flak for failing to utilise available state funds. Under the 2022–23 district annual plan, the Maharashtra govt made a separate provision for urban infrastructure projects through a govt resolution dated March 28, 2022. The scheme, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 11), allowed 100% state funding for urban local bodies for civic infrastructure upgrades.
Official sources confirmed that while urban local bodies (ULBs) across Maharashtra submitted proposals under this scheme, NMC failed to do so — missing a crucial opportunity to address persistent flooding and infrastructure gaps in the city.
With elections to the NMC due later this year, the Mahayuti appears eager to show results. But NMC's repeated lapses in planning and proposal submission may become a major political liability unless urgent corrective action is taken.
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