Realisation of funds that have been expected for long but remained out of the reach for GVMC will come in handy for the cash-strapped civic body.
The Union Government has agreed to release Rs.80 crore that has been withheld for projects taken up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The funds have not been withheld for non-implementation of various mandatory reforms under the mission. Since GVMC has implemented more than nine of the 10 reforms, the Union Government agreed to release the funds.
“The funds will help us in meeting the 30 per cent share in the implementation of the mission projects and settle the pending bills of contractors,” Municipal Commissioner M. V. Satyanarayana said.
The development fee and other fees paid by Hinduja National Power Corporation Limited to GVMC is proposed to be spent on the development of infrastructure in the nearby villages and on a City Facelift Plan.
The payment of various fee payable for the construction of the 1040 MW thermal power plant has been hanging fire for a long time. The fees payable have been revised following surrendering of part of the land by the corporation.
Mr. Satyanarayana said of the total fee of Rs.54 crore payable by the power corporation, Rs.4 crore was paid and the company agreed to pay the remaining amount as well.
The municipal corporation is planning to spend part of the amount on providing roads and drinking water and such facilities to the villagers surrounding the power project.
Since it is part of the general funds of the corporation, it is proposed to spend it on giving a facelift to the city and improve its image.
Mr. Satyanarayana said a project report prepared for taking up such measures under public private partnership was sent to the Principal Secretary, MA&UD. The proposals included widening of roads, improving a few junctions, foot over bridges, traffic signs, beautification of the Railway Station road and landscaping. Landscaping on the Beach Road is also a priority in view of the large number of visitors there, particularly during week-ends, says the Commissioner.
