The Indian Express            01.10.2013

Lopsided fund allocation for repairs in BMC's C3 buildings

In the budget for 2013-2014, the BMC has provided for only 15 per cent of the total estimated cost for repairs to be carried out on C3 category municipal buildings, which require major structural repairs though evacuation is not necessary. Allocation for each ward shows arbitrariness in the amount provided vis-a-vis funds required.

An estates department report revealed that while the estimated for repairs on C3 category BMC owned properties was Rs 12.34 crore, provision of only Rs 1.92 crore was made this year. Additional Rs 11.63 crore have now been sought. There are 22 BMC-owned buildings classified as 'C3' that are in need of repairs. According to the report, of Rs 1.92 crore, roughly Rs 53 lakh has been sanctioned for the K-West ward (comprising Vile Parle, Andheri and Jogeshwari west), and G-South ward (Worli) where the estimated cost has been recorded as 'nil'. Remarks in the report on these wards state, "repairs not required".

More than 60 per cent of the budget has been directed towards B (Pydhonie, Sandhurst Road, Masjid Bunder), C (Bhuleshwar, Dhobi Talao, and Bhendi Bazaar) and D (Malabar Hill, Nepean Sea Road, and Worli) wards, where the estimate is pegged at Rs 21 lakh. No funds have been provided to the M-east and N wards, which include Ghatkopar, Chembur and Mankhurd, despite a collective requirement of Rs 6 crore.

Additional municipal commissioner SVR Srinivas, in charge of the estates department, said, "The budget is drawn up based on the suggestions the department makes before the end of the financial year. We are reviewing the provisions and will make appropriate changes."