Construction Industry News
Rajesh Narvekar, NMMC Commissioner and Administration, presented a surplus budget of Rs 25 million for 2023-2024, with a focus on completing ongoing citizen projects; few new projects were announced this year.
The total expenditure of the citizens' body is estimated at Rs 49.92 billion, while revenues are expected to be Rs 49.25 billion.
There will again be no increase in property tax, the 18th year in a row. Former Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik said: "The civil administration has recognised our demand to keep the property tax rate intact without taxing the residents. That is a welcome step. There needs to be more money for education and health care."
Replacement of 30,000 street lamps with LED, an integrated bus station in Vashi, lighting of the Sion-Panvel highway from Vashi toll plaza to Belapur, an auditorium with a capacity of 800 seats in Airoli, a 7.5 km long special cycle path between the nmmc headquarters and Sanpada Moraj Circle, tertiary water treatment plants in Airoli and Koparkhairane and multi-level indoor parking in Belapur are among the ongoing projects.
Narvekar stated that the budget is realistic in the light of the needs of citizens. He admitted that the NMMC's e-toilet project and vertical garden concept did not provide the desired benefit to citizens. He stated that the budget was made with the lower strata of society in mind, with a focus on health and education.
However, residents have claimed that little is included in the health, education, environment and sports budgets. Activist Rajeev Mishra said: "It is suitable for the elite class, but has little to offer for the poor in the slums and gaothan pockets."
Several residents have welcomed the installation of air purifier towers in various locations to control rising pollution levels caused by massive construction and quarry activities.
NMMC has become completely debt-free after repaying all its loans on time, saving Rs 12.50 crore, according to civilian head Narvekar.
