The Times of India  27.08.2010

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to refurbish kiosks in its jurisdiction. The civic body has roped in ITC Limited, which will undertake beautification project of these units. There are 254 kiosks and 93 other similar units in NDMC area.

The civic agency came up with a renovation plan of these roadside booths after Lieutenant Governor's intervention. These kiosks will be upgraded before the Games and NDMC aims to give Lutyens' Delhi a more aesthetic look once the project is completed.

Many such booths have been installed in areas like Gate No 4 at Lodi Garden, Khan Market and Gole Dakhana etc. Decades-old plaster walls and ceilings have been replaced with a golden steel covering.

"As per the arrangement between NDMC and ITC, the complete renovation will be carried by the company and the council will bear no cost. The company will also be responsible for maintenance of these blocks for a period of three years. No advertisement or signage will be allowed on the exterior of the structure. Only NDMC logo and number of the unit will be displayed,'' said the official.

A senior NDMC official said these stalls are in a very bad state as many of them are more than 30 years old. "A letter from the L-G office was received regarding poor condition of various kiosks in our area insisting on standardization of design. It was also advised that such eyesores be removed well before the Games,'' said an official.

The estimated cost for revamping will be around Rs 1.25 lakh for per unit. Added the official: "If NDMC's civil engineering department would have undertaken the task, it would have led to a increase in the licence fees.''

The Pioneer  27.08.2010

Doon CDO Indu takes charge as Mukhya Nagar Adhikari

PNS | Dehradun

Dehradun Chief Development Officer Indu Dhar Baurai has once again been given the additional charge of Mukhya Nagar Adhikari in Municipal Corporation of Dehradun. Though Surendra Narayan Pandey, who was posted as the Haridwar ADM was transferred for the post of Dehradun MNA about a week ago, he failed to assume his charge.

The reinstatement of Baurai as the MNA is seen as a negative development considering Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli as Baurai and Chamoli do not have cordial relations. Observers say that once again various important works being undertaken by the MCD may be delayed further because of the absence of a full-time MNA.

The Dehradun Mayor acknowledges that the MCD is unable to work as efficiently as it should due to factors, including the absence of a full-time MNA. The implementation of house tax, facilitation of civic sanitation and execution of urban development works funded under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) among other works are being delayed because of this.

It was hoped that the replacement of Baurai by Pandey would facilitate execution of various tasks pending with the MCD because Baurai handled the additional charge of MNA while fulfilling his duties as the Chief Development Officer.

However, after Pandey was transferred to the post of the MNA, he did not assume his charge for a week after assuming the post. Sources said that the Mayor and some councillors were not in favour of Pandey assuming the charge of the MNA. Though the State Government removed Pandey from his post in Dehradun, it once again ordered Baurai to handle the additional charge of the MNA. This decision has not been welcomed by the Mayor and councillors who have been stressing for a full-time MNA for quite some time. They say it is essential for ensuring that the MCD is able to undertake its tasks efficiently without delay.