NMC gets Rs315cr boost for infra, civic works

Time of India

3 days ago

Nagpur: In a major pre-election push, the state govt has released Rs315 crore to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for key infrastructure and civic development works. The funds issued through two separate govt resolutions — one for Rs 175 crore and another for Rs 140 crore — were confirmed by senior civic officials.
A substantial portion of the funds — over Rs 230 crore — will be allocated to six assembly constituencies in the city, based on proposals submitted by the respective MLAs. These include Krishna Khopde (East Nagpur), Mohan Mate (South Nagpur), Devendra Fadnavis (South-West), Pravin Datke (Central Nagpur), Vikas Thakre (West Nagpur), and Nitin Raut (North Nagpur). The projects will be approved and endorsed by district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, ensuring political oversight in the planning and disbursal process.
Municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari on Tuesday held a meeting with departmental heads to fast-track proposals and initiate work under the new allocation. Of the total funds, Rs 70-80 crore will be distributed across all 10 NMC zonal offices for improvement of basic services. The focus will be on priority works such as constructing retaining walls for nullahs and rivers, setting up stormwater drainage networks, laying sewerage lines, and building small bridges.
With four of the six constituencies represented by BJP MLAs, officials indicate that these areas may receive the lion's share of the allocation. MLAs have already begun submitting their lists of priority works, which include the construction of WBM roads, cement concrete roads, drain covers, and culverts. Many of these works are expected to be taken up on an urgent basis. The civic elections scheduled later this year could see the BJP gaining an edge due to the latest funding boost.
All NMC departments — including public works (PWD), public health engineering (PHE), garden, and sports — have been instructed to submit proposals that can be executed quickly. The civic administration aims to use this funding as a springboard to address longstanding issues and visibly improve city infrastructure ahead of the civic elections.
Despite this new allocation, the NMC is still awaiting Rs 411.86 crore projects already sanctioned before the 2024 assembly elections.
These funds were approved under the urban development department led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Officials claim the funds have not been released due to financial strain on the state exchequer caused by populist schemes.
The NMC recently submitted a supplementary demand for the pending funds during the monsoon session of the state legislature, but no progress has been made.
Fund Allocation Overview
INFOBOX-1
Break-up of Rs 315 Crore State Grant to NMC
Component--- Amount (in ₹ crore)
GR 1 – General Civic Works--- 175
GR 2 – MLA Constituency Development--- 140
Total--- 315
Distribution Across 10 Zones
INFOBOX-2
Estimated Distribution of Funds to NMC Zones
Each of the 10 zones to receive approximately:
Zone--- Estimated Fund (Rs crore)
Dharampeth--- 7–8
Laxmi Nagar--- 7–8
Nehru Nagar--- 7–8
Gandhibagh--- 7–8
Hanuman Nagar--- 7–8
Dhantoli--- 7–8
Satranjipura--- 7–8
Ashi Nagar--- 7–8
Mangalwari--- 7–8
Lakadganj--- 7–8
INFOBOX-3
Priority Works List
Where the Money Will Go – Priority Civic Projects
Retaining walls for nullahs and rivers
Stormwater drainage networks
Sewerage pipelines
WBM & cement concrete roads
Small bridges and culverts
Garden & sports infrastructure upgrades
INFOBOX-4
Six Assembly Constituencies
MLA--- Party--- Constituency
Devendra Fadnavis ---BJP--- South-West Nagpur
Krishna Khopde ---BJP--- East Nagpur
Mohan Mate ---BJP--- South Nagpur
Pravin Datke ---BJP--- Central Nagpur
Vikas Thakre ---Congress--- West Nagpur
Nitin Raut ---Congress--- North Nagpur
Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to approve constituency-level works
INFOBOX-5
Pending Fund Details
Sanctioned but Not Disbursed
Amount Pending: ₹411.86 crore
Sanctioned: Before 2024 assembly polls
Department: Urban development (Dy CM Eknath Shinde)