The Times of India 06.12.2010
Sewer scheme yet to take off, but locals pay tax
MUMBAI: If you are a resident of Mira Road or Bhayander, you are being taxed for a service that is not yet available to you.
The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has begun collecting 8% sewerage benefit tax from residents from the current financial year. But the Rs 525.79 crore underground sewerage scheme is still in its initial stages and residents are yet to benefit from the project.
Till date, only 8% of the project undertaken under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has seen the light of day. Residents, however, have started paying the tax, which was okayed by the general body of the MBMC on March 31, 2010. The project is being funded by the central and state governments along with the MBMC.
A Bhayander-based NGO, Siddhivinayak Marg Nivasi Seva Sanstha, has sent a notice to the state urban development department (UDD) to prevent the MBMC from collecting a tax, the benefit of which has still not reached the public.
"About 92% of the sewerage work in Mira-Bhayander is incomplete. It is illegal to collect tax for a facility that is not delivered," pointed out advocate Ganesh Sovani, a Bhayander resident, who will approach the Bombay high court on behalf of the sanstha to withdraw the tax.
Under the project, MBMC plans to provide underground sewerage facilities in the 24 sq-km area of the region. A total of 107 km of sewer lines will be laid and will include 10 pumping stations and 10 sewerage treatment plants with capacities ranging from 7 mld to 17 mld.
According to Prasad Gokhale of the sanstha, only 7 km of the pipeline has been laid at Bhayander (E) and Mira Road gaothan. Four plants have been set up on the eastern side of the region at Jesal Park, Shanti Nagar, Shanti Park and Shrushti Complex. No underground sewerage work has commenced at Bhayander (W).
Residents of Mira-Bhayander have also been burdened with cleanliness and drainage facility taxes and an increase in property tax.
