The Hindu 01.06.2010
Municipal Council adjourns resolution
Staff Reporter
| On construction of new bus stand in Theni |
THENI: Theni Municipal Council adjourned a resolution on construction of new bus stand near SIDCO industrial estate condemning conditions laid by Forest Department on leasing its land.
The Theni municipal council meeting was presided over by Chairman S. Palansamy here on Monday.
All proceedings were completely stalled following heated arguments between officials and the Opposition councillors on 33 {+r} {+d} resolution informing conditions of the Forest Department.
Protection to wild animals, prevention on use of fire and heavy penalty on death of wild animals in accidents, if any, were some of the conditions laid by the Forest Department.
Moreover, the municipality had to pay Rs.4.27 lakh to the Forest Department as lease amount for the proposed land.
Lease amount could be enhanced once in three years.
Strongly condemning these conditions, the opposition members stated that the Forest Department, in another condition, could withdraw the lease permission at any time without offering any compensation.
Why should we construct a bus stand by accepting such conditions? they questioned.
Huge sum
“We had accepted to pay huge sum as lease amount. Already, an alternative land was also offered. Moreover, the municipality will be burdened with repayment of loan amount used for construction of bus stand. Why should we waste so much public money?” they questioned.
Instead, the municipality could purchase private land directly. It will be a hassle-free deal, they opined.
The chairman replied that the loan component was Rs.5.02 crore. Balance amount will be managed from proceeds on auction of shops.
Commissioner N. Mony also attempted to pacify the crowd. But the councillors demanded that the Forest Department should relax rules. If they refused, the municipality should find a new land.
Court approached
The Commissioner told that the municipality had already approached the court for relaxation of rules and the rules were only formality. But councillors viewed them as persistent threat.
In the meanwhile, a majority of women councillors staged a walkout condemning denial of permission to speak. At last, the chairman postponed the resolution to discuss it in the next council meeting. The municipality had already given an alternative land to the Forest Department that offered 7.35 acres behind SIDCO Industrial Estate for the bus stand. The municipality had identified another site near Annanji in this connection.
