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UT takes over maintenance of cycle tracks from MC
In another setback to the municipal corporation over the past month, the UT administration has taken over the work of constructing, repairing and re-carpeting of cycle tracks in the city from the civic body.
In another setback to the municipal corporation over the past month, the UT administration has taken over the work of constructing, repairing and re-carpeting of cycle tracks in the city from the civic body. The administration has earmarked Rs 15 crore for the purpose against Rs 5 crore that the House had allocated this year.
The city has a cycle track of 70km. Most tracks are ill-maintained.
Sources added that since the House’s formation in 1996, the cycle tracks were with the MC, but the administration was not happy with the way they had been maintained. Most of these lie unused with few residents using these.
“We are taking over the cycle tracks from the MC as there is an issue of arranging the funds with the civic body,” said UT chief engineer Mukesh Anand.
Over the past month, this is the second setback to the civic body where its powers have been reduced. In mid-September, it was announced that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) — a 50:50 joint venture between the UT administration and the MC — will execute the smart city project. The announcement meant that MC would have little role in a project that could change the city’s face.
COUNCILLORS UPSET
Former mayor Pardeep Chhabra said, “How can the UT administration take such a decision without consulting the MC? We will oppose this. What will the MC do now? MC is now just left with re-carpeting of roads and maintenance of parks and green belts. If this is the case, then why are elected councillors needed?”
“We have even earmarked budget for cycle tracks, yet the administration has decided to take these over,” an official said.
