The Hindu 25.03.2010
Ambattur municipality allocates funds towards environmental initiatives
K. Lakshmi
CHENNAI: The 2010-11 budget of Ambattur Municipality, presented recently, lays emphasis on environmental conservation initiatives.
Nearly Rs.3 crore has been allocated towards development of parks and for rejuvenating 10 waterbodies in various areas, including Padi and Kamarajapuram. Small parks would also be created around the water bodies, officials of the municipality said.
The municipality has also allocated Rs.27 crore as its contribution towards the projects to establish water supply and underground sewerage networks. Nearly 90 per cent of the work is expected to be completed by March 2011.
While the water supply project is estimated to be commissioned in September next year, Ambattur will be get drainage network in December 2011, a senior official said.
“We may not be able to lay new roads in some areas due to the implementation of these schemes. We have diverted the funds to other sectors such as creation of more greenery and education,” the official said.
Besides providing new buildings and play materials for 20 schools and streetlights, facilities would be upgraded at the health posts, including provision of ultrasonography tests.
The other civil works such as laying stormwater drains, roads and culverts would be taken up at a cost of Rs.18 crore.
In 2010-11, the municipality expects a revenue of Rs.125.43 crore and an expenditure of Rs.120.39 crore. In the current fiscal, the revenue collection of the municipality has improved, mainly on account of the intense property tax drive, according to officials.
Nearly 75 per cent of the property tax demand of Rs.50 crore, including arrears, has been collected. In the coming fiscal, about Rs.50 crore is estimated to be raised as current demand alone due to various reasons such as revised property tax rates, an official said.
