My focus is on building MCG’s capacity, improving infra, says new mayor

Azad, who was elected mayor on Friday, said MCG under her leadership would also work in tandem with Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) which was formed recently for the overall development of the city

Madhu Azad, the newly elected mayor of Gurgaon, will focus on expanding the capacity of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) so that it can deliver services and amenities in the city.

Newly elected mayor Madhu Azad at John Hall in Gurgaon on Friday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Azad, who was elected mayor on Friday, said MCG under her leadership would also work in tandem with Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) which was formed recently for the overall development of the city and to ensure that basic infrastructure in the city comes up at a fast pace and without any glitches.

“With the transfer of Huda sectors, the responsibilities of the MCG have expanded as operational areas have increased. Taking that into consideration, we will have to build the capacity of the corporation in terms of manpower, equipment, technology and planning,” Azad, who won the municipal election on a BJP ticket, said.

Azad also said she will give special emphasis to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes that were launched by the Prime Minister Narender Modi.

She also said that there have been lots of allegations of corruption in the municipal corporation, but under her leadership, there will be zero tolerance to corruption.

“If anyone is found taking money or indulging in corrupt practices, strict action as per law will be taken,” she said.

She also said the localities within a 900-metre radius of the defence ammunition depot in sector 22-23 have been suffering because no development work is allowed in this zone.

Because of this, thousands of families living in multiple blocks of Ashok Vihar, Dharm Colony, Sheetla colony, Om Vihar, parts of Sector 22, Rajiv Nagar, part of Sector 14, and adjoining areas have been deprived of basic amenities.

There are approximately 2 lakh people living in these areas, according to MCG officials.

A court had adjudicated a reduction in this zone to 600 metres, she said.

“The 600-metre area, which has been demarcated, should be recognised as authorised and basic amenities and infrastructure have to be created there,” she said.

Azad also asked people to approach her directly with their issues as her priority is to be accessible to all.

The mayor said major infrastructure projects such as construction of the Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road, and the shifting of toll plaza from Kherki Daula would be taken up with the government to expedite their work.

“These projects need to take off as they are slowing down development. If all these works are done, it would boost development in the city,” the new mayor said.