NDMC annual budget charts course for Games

Projecting an estimated total expenditure of around Rs 1,655 crore,as against the Council’s reserve of Rs 1,476 crore for 2009-10,the budget featured a deficit of Rs 180 crore,a rarity for the civic body. While the civic body’s tax collections have taken a hit as well,no new tax has been announced.

Presenting the budget,NDMC chairperson Parimal Rai said the deficit – owing to a number of capital-intensive projects undertaken by the civic body for the Games as well the meeting the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission – would be met over time through increased government assistance to the civic body.

An official told Newsline,“We are expecting Rs 1,000 crore for the redevelopment plan ahead of the 2010 Games and finances should not be a problem.”

“Renovation of Shivaji Stadium is 15 per cent complete and is expected to be ready by June 2010 with a new sports block and underground parking. Work at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium is 45 per cent complete and would be over by December 2009,” Rai said.

“Improvement work on eight roads,including Baba Kharak Singh Marg,S P Marg,Mother Teresa Crescent,Mandir Marg and Niti Marg has been taken up. The entire streetscaping project is expected to be complete by August 2010. Other aspects we would be looking into include procurement of mechanical road sweepers,which would be operated by our trained staff,” he added.