NDMC ushers in new budget, but still to keep old promises

NEW DELHI: Even as the NDMC presents its budget for year 2005-06, several old projects that have been a constant for the past few years are set to resurface.
Several projects like the flower market at INA, multi-storey mechanised parking at Sarojini Nagar, a commercial complex at Kidwai Nagar, and a 66-KV electric sub-station at the state guest house in Chanakyapuri failed to take off this year as well.While NDMC insiders say these projects are being treated on priority, little seems to have been achieved at the ground level.
In keeping with the efforts to develop a high-tech city to greet the Commonwealth Games, the NDMC also proposes to build toilet blocks at every kilometre. The new proposals this year include providing elevators in subways, replacement of old water lines and electric cables and provision of water meters in all NDMC buildings for checking water wastage.
On the old promises count, even while the NDMC successfully implemented the hourly parking scheme this year, other important projects like multi-storey parking facilities at Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Baba Kharak Singh Marg are still stuck at the planning stage. The civic agency recently roped in IDFC for deciding the financial plan for developing these facilities that are going to be built on a public-private partnership basis.
Similarly, Connaught Place renovation and Central Vista beautification is also far from being implemented, pending clearances from the Centre. The Union urban development ministry had asked the civic agency to fine tune its action plan for both the projects.
Among the new proposals that the NDMC is considering this year is a complete overhaul of water lines older than 25 years. "Old wires are also going to be replaced with heavy duty cables in colonies like B K Dutt Colony, Moti Bagh, Sarojini Nagar and Pillanji village as power consumption has gone up many times over the years," said an NDMC source.
The body has also apparently decided to set aside Rs 10 crore for the beautification of old buildings like Yashwant Place, Mayur Bhawan, Palika Place, Palika Bazar and Lok Nayak Bhawan.