The Hindu 09.06.2010
GHMC ready for monsoon
Special Correspondent
Hyderabad: The GHMC will start demolishing 130 structures abutting the nalas at Yousuguda, Banjara Hills and Musheerabad from the middle of next week. This is to clear the encroachments for widening of nalas. A total of 250 such structures are identified by the engineering wing of the Corporation.
GHMC Commissioner Sameer Sharma told presspersons here on Tuesday that de-silting of nalas had been done ahead of monsoon. But in view of the large number of complaints, the Quality Control wing had been asked to inspect the work done. Only basing on its report payment to the contractors would be made.
The Corporation was fully prepared to meet any eventuality arising out of the monsoon. As part of the disaster management preparedness a mock drill had been done on Monday. Equipment had been acquired and spots that get submerged were identified. “We are ready with an action plan,” Mr. Sharma said.
The Corporation had completed Rs. 51crore worth work in respect of widening of four nalas sanctioned in 2006. Tenders had been called for the balance work of Rs. 91 crore and sent for government’s approval. In respect of 21 nalas sanctioned for widening in 2009, work had started in case of nalas at Erramanzil, Indira Park, Gandhinagar and Bhoiguda.
The Corporation was setting up 18 citizens service centres (CSCs) in all its municipal circles. Mayor, B. Kartika Chandra Reddy, would inaugurate a centre at Abids on June 10. Now all applications would be received and delivered through the CSCs, Mr. Sharma said.
He said 16,000 houses under JNNURM were ready in 18 colonies. The title deed issue would be decided by government shortly.
Referring to the financial position of the GHMC, he said efforts were on to increase the revenue through various measures. Tax on vacant lands was expected to yield Rs. 50 crore and the BPS Rs. 250 crore. The Corporation had paid the contractors bills up to May 20. It was also able to ground the projects and pay salaries. “However, we are still not out of the red as we have an overdraft of Rs. 450 crore,” Mr. Sharma said.
