Some projects which were
part of the previous budget, are once again expected to find place in
the budget for 2013-14 and several new announcements related to
infrastructure development and beautification of crossing and roads may
impress the voters in the election year.

Mayor-in-council has
approved the outline of the budget and the final budget will be drafted
after making allotment for funds to various departments. The current
budget is expected to be of around Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 crore as against
the previous year’s budget of nearly Rs 1,490 crore.

The civic
body has been making allotment of funds for construction of an
international standard swimming pool in the city in its budget for the
last three years and once again the mayor is expected to showcase the
dream in the upcoming budget with an allocation of around Rs 5 crore.

Fund of Rs 1 crore was allocated for the pool for the first time in
budget of 2010-11. In the budget of 2011-12, the civic body allocated Rs
2 crore and in 2012-13 budget, the allocation was increased to Rs 5
crore.

In the last three years, the allocation of fund for the
project has increased by five times but the promise still remains on
paper. Indore Development Board (IDA) has decided to give 8 acre land at
Pipliyahana for the project but IMC has yet no able to take possession
of the land.

IMC official said that demarcation of land was
opposed by few people. A survey was conducted later by tehshildar and
revenue inspector during which it was found that some of the private
land had also been marked under the project. Sport in-charge of IMC Ajay
Singh Naruka claims that the issues have been resolved and planning and
drawing work of the project will start next month.

Similarly,
previous year announcement related to Kamla Nehru Zoo will once again
incorporate in the new budget. Last year, the IMC had allocated Rs 3
crore for construction of an aquarium, snake house, forest-like
enclosure for elephants, grand entrance gate and a multi-level parking.
In the budget of 2013-14, it may allocate Rs 4 to 5 crore for the same.

Last year budget had announced construction of a new IMC building and
fund was allocated for the same. This year, the budget may allocate
fresh funds for construction of the building. Announcement of providing
24X7 water supply and starting of Narmada Phase III are expected to be
repeated in this budget as well.

New announcements like
construction of bridges, link roads and beautification of crossings are
likely to be made along with few other populist measures to impress
voters ahead of assembly poll scheduled in November.