Shimla: Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan today announced in increase of Rs 8 in Liquor Bottle, and imposition of Green Fee from tourist vehicle in his bid to inject some life the empty coffers of Shimla Municipal Corporation today, focusing on enhancing revenue streams and improving civic amenities.
The highlight of the budget announcement was the steep increase in the cess levied on liquor bottles, now raised from Rs 2 to Rs 10.
Mayor announced Green fee, pending over the years, on vehicles entering the city, particularly targeting tourists, through a dedicated mobile application.
He announced a Rs 130 Crore project for widening of the Circular road, the lifeline of the capital city to bring solace from the the traffic jams.
This initiative aims to generate an annual revenue of Rs 10 crore for the municipal corporation.
Mayor Chauhan also outlined several other key initiatives in the budget session. These include providing in-house facilities for senior citizens without any charge.
He said SMC would implement comprehensive stray dog sterilization program, allocating funds for urban development projects such as road widening and digital libraries, and introducing electric garbage vehicles for efficient waste management.
Furthermore, the budget prioritizes improving infrastructure and public services, with plans for round-the-clock water supply, establishment of recycling centers in each ward where citizens can donate their old clothes, shoes etcs, and digitization of municipal services.
Notably, there will be a focus on enhancing public spaces with the creation and beautification of parks.
In terms of community welfare, the budget allocates resources for amenities such as changing rooms for municipal workers, ward offices in every ward, a commercial complex in Chhota Shimla, and the construction of additional 350 toilets across the city.
Moreover, Mayor Chauhan assured full compensation for residents affected by property damages during the natural disaster
