No new taxes, projects in Thane civic corporation’s ₹3,861-crore budget
CIVIC COMMISSIONER SANJEEV JAISWAL CAME UP WITH AN OUTCOME BUDGET ON THE STATUS OF WORK DONE BY HIM IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS
THANE: With the elections around the corner, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) presented a ₹3,861-crore budget on Wednesday, with no increase in any taxes. While no new project announcements made it seem lacklustre, the TMC promised to complete the major projects taken up in the past four years – internal metro, third Kalwa bridge, pod cars, foot overbridges, widening of the Kopri bridge and waterfront development – by 2022-23.
Thane civic commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal, during his fifth budget, came up with an outcome budget on the status of work done by him in the past four years. Last year’s budget estimate was ₹3,695.13 crore.
The budget stated the income of the corporation has increased by 103% in the past four years. The civic body has also promised to make 57% roads pothole-free this monsoon. “The budget does not have many new projects. The focus is on completing the earlier projects,” said Jaiswal. The TMC will take a loan of ₹500 crore for these projects.
The city will also get recognition as educational hub, as the state has approved the modification of reservation of 113.12-ha green zone in Khidkali for the project. The Institute of Chemical Technology has expressed interest to set up their campus on this plot. The TMC chief said they are co-ordinating with other authorities to ensure projects such as widening of Kopri Bridge, new extended Thane station, SATIS at Thane east, Coastal Road and development of New Thane move at a faster pace.
The corporation has also proposed a few small projects under the happiness index budget. “We have revived the plan to construct an aquarium in the city at the Golden Dyes junction. The families who adopt daughters will get ₹50,000 funds as an encouragement. To improve the green quotient of the city, Japanese city forest expert Arika Miyawaki will give his consultation on developing urban jungles. We are also planning to develop colourful zebra crossing and green canopies along footpaths.”