Urban News

The emphasis was on upgrade of infrastructure in the Rs 690-crore annual budget passed by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in the House Meet on Friday. Provisions have been made for sprucing up roads, improving water supply and further beautifying the city. The budget goes up by 4 per cent from last year’s Rs 662.5 crore.

An innovative proposal to convert all paid parking lots into electronically-operated ones got an allocation of Rs 2.15 crore. Community parking lots have also been planned.

A provision of Rs 67 crore has been made for upgrade of infrastructure. Facilities being provided in markets in different sectors, like drinking water and toilets, will be upgraded; special focus will be on the Sector-17 market. Development and maintenance of green belts and parks also finds a mention.

Rs 91 crore have been kept aside for work on better sewage disposal and storm water drainage facilities. Special provisions have been made for villages and colonies.

The MC budget also talks of promoting cycling in the city. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the civic body will promote use of non-motorised vehicles.

Residents will also get two marriage halls, which means they will not have to go to the outskirts for functions like wedding ceremonies. A sport complex is also planned for Manimajra, apart from new community centres.

Rs 2.5 crore have been sanctioned for installation of global positioning system in the city, to better tackle security threats and bring in efficiency in the overall management of the city. The budget lists development of southern sectors as a priority.