Indian Express 01.06.2010
2 years on, Gurgaon municipal body yet to fulfil promises
Tanushree Roy Chowdhury Tags : corporation Posted: Mon May 31 2010, 01:32 hrs
Gurgaon: When the Gurgaon Municipal Corporation was formed in June 2008, residents were promised that it would “change the face” of the Millennium City.Two years later, residents are still waiting for the change.
After taking over from government agencies like the HUDA, Public Health department and Public Works department, the civic agency seems to be struggling to provide even the basic amenities in the city.
“We had high expectations from the Corporation when it was formed. However, it has not been able to bring any noticeable difference so far,” said Ravinder Sharma, an MNC executive working in DLF Cyber City.
The Corporation has under its jurisdiction the areas which earlier belonged to HUDA, HSIIDC, the former Municipal Council, Gurgaon’s 58 sectors and the areas notified under the Masterplan 2021.
Corporation commissioner R K Khullar said: “Fragmentation of responsibilities is a major problem in a city of this size. People do not know whom to approach in case of a crisis. After the inception of the MCG, residents direct all their problems — be it about roads, sewerage or street lights — to us and we look at all of it, even when it is not under our jurisdiction.”
The civic body recently bought a ‘Super Sucker Machine’ to clear blockage in sewer pipes and offer it to other departments when required, Khullar added.
The Corporation has also set up a website, www.mcg.gov.in. At present, the agency is looking for a logo and has asked residents to submit their ideas on the website.
“We have received 46 proposed logos. If people cannot choose their own logo, then it is a shame. I do not think any government body can be more democratic than this,” Khullar added.
Many residents question the condition of the city bus stand near Sector-14, claiming it is “progressively deteriorating”.
The Corporation also claims to have added a few feathers to its cap, like clearing the long-standing issue of infamous Kachra Chowk near DLF Phase-I. It also boasts of simplifying the house tax payment method that has been appreciated by many.
According to the civic agency, it has put up 104 high mast lights across all villages under it. These have a timer to switch the lights on and off. The Corporation also boasts of installing more than 700 street lights in different parts of the city.
