BMC spending on development projects rises

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) may have cut down its annual budget, but spending of funds on development projects has been much higher this year. Of the Rs 25,141crore budget this year, about 23.79 per cent of funds — or Rs 1,931.99 crore — have been spent on various civic projects so far as compared to measly 10.12 per cent spent last year. Among them, the most funds— 64 per cent — have been spent on storm water drain works in the city.

The civic budget was significantly less than last year’s financial budget of Rs 37,052 crore. Despite this, spendings till September have been impressive in almost every department when compared to last year, said civic officials.

Of the Rs. 25,141 crore budget, the capital expenditure budget was Rs 8,121.58 crore, which is meant for spending on development projects in the city such as roads, water supply, storm water drains and solid waste management.

For the storm water drains department, the allocation made was Rs 446.37 crore, of which Rs 285.65 crore has been spent so far, which is 63.99 per cent.

Last year, the department had spent only 17.53 per cent till the end of September.

For the roads and traffic department, last year’s spending was only 1.2 per cent, but this year it has increased to substantial 41.54 per cent.

A senior civic official said, “The BMC this year has ensured that funds are spent judiciously. During previous years, huge provisions were made for civic development works, but majority of them would remain unspent. But we are making sure that the funds allocated are spent properly.”