Cong concerned over 'slow' pace of MCD's Commonwealth projects

The opposition Congress in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) today voiced concern over the "slow" pace of some Commonwealth Games projects undertaken by the civic body, especially those related to construction of under-bridges and parking lots.

Participating in the debate on the civic agency's 2010-11 budget at a meeting of the MCD House, Leader of Opposition JK Sharma said the infrastructure projects are lagging far behind.

"Work has not started at 11 road under-bridges. Out of 21 multi-level parking sites, work has been initiated only at four sites. The construction of the proposed 1,000 waterless urinals has not started," he said.

The Congress leader also opposed the proposed hike in property tax rates and demanded its roll back.

"Instead of exploiting MCD's own resources, BJP chose to burden the common man...we are receiving property tax only from 30% of the properties in city and we need to exploit the remaining 70%," Sharma said.

He also alleged that the Property Tax department is the "most neglected".

Nearly one-third of the posts are lying vacant. The property returns are not being fed into the computer. There is no record available with the department," he said.

Sharma also said as per the Master Plan for Delhi, there is need for 140 night shelters but at present only 64 night shelters are operating.